Initiative Foundation Awards $378,000 in First-Quarter 2026 Grants

(KNSI) – The Initiative Foundation and its Partners Fund program awarded 77 grants totaling over $378,000 during the first quarter of 2026. These grants support organizations and schools across central Minnesota.

Foundation grant recipients include $25,000 to the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation for its 2026 annual investment and $1,000 to Anna Marie’s Alliance in St. Cloud in honor of board member Santo Cruz’s service to the organization.

Through the foundation’s Patrick and Jane Mitchell Family Fund, Partners Fund grant recipients include $2,500 to support Quiet Oaks Hospice House’s Veterans’ Fund, $3,000 to St. Cloud State University’s Baseball Program, and $2,000 in operational support to the Stearns County Historical Society, Inc.

Through the foundation’s LeBlanc Legacy Scholarship Fund, $1,000 was awarded to the Scholarship for Non-traditional Students at St. Cloud State University.

Amy Trombley, vice president for community at the foundation, said the awards will support students and community projects. “These grants are a great example of neighbors helping neighbors. They are creating opportunities and making a real difference in people’s lives.”

The full list of recipients can be found on the Initiative Foundation’s website. Those interested in starting their own fund can do so through the foundation’s Start A Fund webpage.

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