The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation (MLACF), formerly the Isle Area Community Foundation, was founded in 2006 through an initial $9,000 gift from VFW Post 2816. After a period of dormancy, the fund reached a $20,000 threshold and resumed activity under a new advisory board in 2021. MLACF is a partner fund of the Initiative Foundation, a nonprofit that supports communities across 14 counties in Central Minnesota through grants, loans, training, and donor services. All contributions to MLACF are professionally managed by the Initiative Foundation.
MLACF serves the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area and focuses its grantmaking on four key areas: environmental stewardship and community beautification, sustainable farming and food programs, economic vitality, and community pride. Environmental stewardship includes projects that promote water quality, habitat conservation, and green spaces. The food programs support the distribution of nutrient-rich foods to underserved community members. Economic vitality grants support environmentally conscious outdoor recreation events. Community pride is enhanced through arts, cultural storytelling, and volunteer recognition initiatives.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, school districts, local units of government, and community groups working with a mission-aligned fiscal sponsor. All applicants must operate within the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area, which includes the cities of Isle, Garrison, Onamia, Vineland, and Wahkon; the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe; and the townships of Bay Lake, Eastside, Garrison, Hazelton, Isle Harbor, Kathio, Lakeside, Malmo, Roosevelt, South Harbor, and Wealthwood.
Applications are accepted annually from June 1 through September 15. All applications are reviewed in October, with funding decisions made and announced in November. The application is open to all eligible applicants within the geographic scope, and there is no pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent. There are no stated restrictions on match funding or indirect cost limits.
The grant program emphasizes community impact, environmental preservation, and food security. While specific award amounts or expected number of grants are not publicly listed, past grants have ranged from approximately $2,000 to $4,300. Interested applicants should visit the MLACF website or contact the Initiative Foundation directly for more information on application requirements, process guidance, and potential funding alignment.
