Initiative Foundation Awards $254,500 to Central Minnesota Nonprofits

(KNSI) — The Initiative Foundation has awarded more than $250,000 in grants to local nonprofits through the Otto Bremer Trust’s Community Responsive Fund.

The Initiative Foundation helped direct the funding across Greater Minnesota to ensure resources reached local organizations that understand their community’s most pressing needs.

According to a press release, funded projects reflected the Otto Bremer Trust’s commitment to advancing literacy; supporting adoption and foster care services; promoting children’s health and disability services; expanding access to mental health care — especially for children ages five to 15; and investing in capital projects that strengthen hospitals and clinics.

“These grants recognize the essential work of local organizations that support children and families every day,” said Nicole Clements, Initiative Foundation nonprofit development program officer. “By focusing on priorities like literacy, health and mental wellbeing, this funding helps our region’s nonprofits meet real needs and create lasting impact close to home.”

Caroline S. Johnson, the Otto Bremer Trust co-CEO and trustee, said, “the Trust is proud to work with the Initiative Foundation to administer and distribute grant funds in Central Minnesota. The Trust’s mission has always been to provide funding to organizations and programs supporting the needs and opportunities of local communities, and the Initiative Foundation deeply understands where those needs and opportunities are. We look forward to working together to make significant impacts.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota in St. Cloud received $75,000 to deliver trauma-informed programming at five sites, expand mental health support for youth and help young people build resilience, reduce risky behaviors and thrive socially and academically.

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees (CAIRO) in St. Cloud also received $75,000 to expand tutoring, mentorship and college and career preparation for underserved students. The program emphasizes literacy and long-term academic success.

ConnectAbility of MN in Waite Park was awarded $11,000 to expand inclusive youth programming by investing in strategic planning, strengthening partnerships and hosting sensory-friendly events that promote full participation and inclusion for youth with disabilities.

Reach Up, Inc., in St. Cloud received $5,000 to expand developmental screenings and strengthen supports for children with disabilities, ensuring early identification, individualized care and inclusive learning environments within the St. Cloud School District.

The Center for Victims of Torture in St. Cloud was awarded $38,000 to sustain culturally responsive mental health care for Somali families through parenting classes, psychotherapy and outreach supporting individuals in building trust, resilience and healing.

The United Way of Central Minnesota in St. Cloud received $50,500 to expand mental health services for children by training youth-serving staff in trauma-informed strategies, reducing stigma and connecting families to culturally responsive care through a strengthened Navigator network.

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