The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation Grant Program

The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic initiative operating as a Partner Fund under the Initiative Foundation. It was originally established in 2006 with a $9,000 donation from VFW Post 2816 (now 2762) and was previously known as the Isle Area Community Foundation. After a period of inactivity, the fund was revitalized in 2020 through renewed community engagement and formal training offered by the Initiative Foundation. This reinvigoration led to the formation of a new advisory team and a strategic focus on supporting local community development. Since 2021, the foundation has actively awarded grants, marking a new chapter in its evolution and community impact. The primary goal of the Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation is to distribute charitable gifts in a way that enhances the quality of life within the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area. The fund supports projects that align with four central themes: environmental stewardship, economic vitality, sustainable farming and food programs, and community pride. Specific project examples include promoting water quality, fostering outdoor recreational opportunities, distributing nutritious food, and encouraging community engagement through the arts and storytelling. Grants are available to projects taking place within the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area, which encompasses several cities and townships, including Isle, Garrison, Onamia, Vineland, Wahkon, and the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, school districts, other local units of government, and community groups working through a qualified fiscal sponsor. The application window for grant funding opens annually on June 1 and closes on September 15. Grant applications are reviewed in October, and award decisions are made and announced in November. Applicants are expected to align their proposals with the foundation's thematic priorities. The foundation does not list specific application questions, but a clear focus on the targeted priority areas is essential for funding consideration. Community members can get involved through donations or by joining the advisory team. Donations can be made online, via mailed check, or through planned giving and charitable bequests. All contributions are managed by the Initiative Foundation and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Previous grant recipients have included school districts, local councils, and environmental organizations. For further assistance, applicants and donors may contact Amy Gray, Community Philanthropy Manager, at agray@ifound.org or (320) 631-2062, or Carl Newbanks, Vice President of Philanthropy, at cnewbanks@ifound.org or (320) 631-2042. These representatives can provide guidance on the application process, eligibility criteria, and donation methods.