Initiative Foundation

2-4-6-8 ... who do we appreciate? That's easy. Our staff! The Initiative Foundation truly couldn't partner across Central Minnesota without its dedicated staff. We recently took time to show some appreciation with a journaling class, lunch from Sanchez Burrito and Jupiter Moon ice cream. We like to work hard at the Initiative Foundation—and we like to have fun doing it!

Melrose-area friends: It was great to meet with you yesterday at JD’s Taphouse! The conversation, food and friendship were all top notch. Thanks to those who joined us. A special thanks to Leon Pierskalla, owner of JD's Taphouse, for hosting the event and for sharing his experience as a COVID-era small business relief grant recipient, and to Diana and Jose Morelos, co-owners of Señor Elote, who shared their experience as loan clients of the Initiative Foundation. We're always looking for ways to engage in community. Reach out via email at info@ifound.org if you'd like to see us in your community! Thanks to those who joined us! CommunityGiving; Cohlab Digital Marketing; Centracare Health Foundation

DON'T MISS IT: Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 23) we'll be hosting a meet-and-greet event at JD’s Taphouse in Melrose. Join us from 1 to 3 p.m. for pizza and ice cream from Señor Elote. There’s still room, so feel free to join the fun! Grab a slice of pizza (or two) and some ice cream from Señor Elote. We'll have a short program at 1:30 p.m. delivered by Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation president, and other members of the team. Network with others, hear stories of local impact, and learn how you can connect with economic and community development initiatives in the region. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gFgRTZzN

Erin Schutte Wadzinski, Kivu Immigration Law PLLC, recently was featured on Almanac North from PBS North. In this segment, Schutte Wadzinski lays out the paths to permanent residency for immigrants and what it’s like to be an immigration attorney. Schutte Wadzinski makes her home in Worthington and is an alumna of the Initiative Foundation’s Initiators Fellowship. Watch the segment: https://lnkd.in/gvXb5wpP Southwest Initiative Foundation; West Central Initiative

The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce the award of 25 grants across Central Minnesota for projects, programs, and community-building ideas that bridge differences and bring people together. Originally touted as a one-time, $100,000 grant round to alleviate loneliness and social isolation, the Initiative Foundation adjusted the award total to $105,000 to ensure good and worthy ideas received funding. From “Saturday Night Live” family programming in Cass Lake to practical skills-building classes led by active older adults in Delano, these special grants are expected to strengthen social bonds through shared experiences, events, or community gatherings. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gWbaJEi2 CENTRACARE HEALTH SYSTEM - LONG PRAIRE; Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity; City of Delano; Delano MN; East Central Minnesota Pride; Paws + Claws Rescue & Resort

Like most of Minnesota, the eclipse was eclipsed in Little Falls. That didn't stop staff members from taking a break, though, for a quick trip over to Maple Island Park to check it out. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We had the motivation. We had the determination. And we had our trusty eclipse-watching glasses! Clouds, however, ruled the day and got in the way. Still, we enjoyed laughter and a little exercise along the way, so we have that going for us!

Did you know the Initiative Foundation hosts free workshops for small business owners? This spring and summer, we are hosting St. Cloud workshops on topics ranging from website design to Quickbooks and starting a business plan. Learn more about our workshops for business owners at https://lnkd.in/gbKx5NA4

Foundation staff members Carie Verley, Christine Metzo and Britt Poser, along with Initiators Fellowship alum Nora Hertel and current Fellows Shannon Murray and Suree Sompamitwong, attended the April 4 She Leads Conference at Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd. The Foundation served as a sponsor and our very own Christine led a break-out session on developing a social enterprise. Learn more about the Initiators Fellowship at https://lnkd.in/d-KfhMeB. A special thanks to Growth by Design for the great event!

Join us in congratulating Carl Newbanks, who has been named vice president for philanthropy at the Initiative Foundation. Carl joined the Initiative Foundation team in 2018 and most recently served as director of development. He will oversee donor relations and planned-giving, the Foundation’s Community Philanthropy program to establish donor-created funds, and will champion the Foundation’s grant writing initiatives to attract resources to the region. “We are excited to welcome Carl to this new role,” said Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation president. “I invite generous people to reach out to explore how we can partner to support their philanthropic vision for Central Minnesota.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_eeAU3J Leave a Legacy MN; Minnesota Gift Planning Association