Staples Motley Area Community Foundation
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The Staples Motley Area Community Foundation exists to develop and strengthen community resources and to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and organizations in the Staples and Motley Communities and the Staples Motley School District.
The Staples Motley Area Community Foundation is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Staples Motley Area Community Foundation contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
Values of the Advisory Board
In carrying out its work, the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Advisory Board commits to:
- Seeking broad community input and involvement while upholding the integrity of the Staples and Motley communities
- Treating everyone with respect so that they feel valued and empowered
- Encouraging intergenerational, interracial, intercultural inclusiveness
- Working in collaboration with other organizations and initiatives to leverage community assets
- Conducting ourselves with honesty and openness
- Encouraging creativity and innovation
- Promoting wise stewardship of everyone’s time and resources
- Speaking with one voice
Apply for a Grant
The grant application window is always open. Applications will be reviewed April 15 and Oct. 15. Award announcements will be made approximately three weeks after the grant application closes.
Review the grant guidelines to be sure your organization is eligible and that your project fits within the grant guidelines.
Through the online grant system you will create an account, complete an eligibility quiz, submit proposals, review your application history and submit grant reports.
Learn how to create an account.
If you have difficulty using the web based application or if your request is labeled ineligible, email the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation or call (218) 296-2565.
Engage With the Fund
When you give to the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation, your gift establishes an enduring legacy that will benefit the communities of Staples and Motley for years to come. We accept credit card donations online. If your employer makes matching donations for their employees, be sure to inquire on the process before making your gift. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated!
Prefer to mail a check? To make donations and payments more secure and to streamline processes, the Initiative Foundation partners with Bremer Bank. Please write the check to Initiative Foundation-SMACF, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:
Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: SMACF
P.O. Box 64182
St. Paul, MN 55164-0182
While the mailing address may be in St. Paul, the Initiative Foundation continues to maintain its headquarters in the heart of Central Minnesota at 405 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.
If you would like to contribute another type of gift, please contact a member of the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation or call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255. An Initiative Foundation staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Making a charitable bequest in your will is often the easiest way to make a significant gift and leave a lasting legacy. Gifts large and small are important. It is simpler than you might think to make a meaningful difference to future generations in the Staples Motley area.
If you would like to leave Staples Motley Area Community Foundation in your will, make another type of planned gift, or contribute an appreciated asset, please call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255 and a staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. In partnership with the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation.
Engage With the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation
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The Staples Motley Area Community Foundation (SMACF) establishes partnerships
with local organizations with the goal of furthering the mission:
To develop and strengthen community resources and to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and organizations in the Staples and Motley Communities and the Staples Motley School District
Corporate partnership funds will be used for marketing and operating expenses of the SMACF for the current fiscal year. This includes expenses associated with the annual community awards event, grant award promotion, and other marketing costs as they arise for the purpose of raising funds and providing grant money and financial support for community projects and initiatives.
As a corporate partner, organizations will be promoted by the SMACF in the following ways:
- Recognition on social media
- Recognition on the SMACF website
- Recognition in the SMACF email newsletter
- Logo included in annual awards event flyer
- Other recognition opportunities as they arise (corporate partners will be notified of these instances)
Fill out the form and mail a $250 payment to become a corporate sponsor.
Past Grants
2023
- City of Motley—Motley Fire Department Equipment: $1,606
- Lamplighter Community Theatre—Lionel Bart’s Oliver Production: $2,647
- Staples Historical Society—Polar Xpress Kids Holiday Extravaganza: $4,000
- SPARKS Mentoring of Staples Motley—Lunchtime Buddies: $2,647
- Staples-Motley School District—REACH, Building a Leadership Community in the Classroom: $1,500
- Motley Community Events Organization—June Fest 2023: $4,900
- Wadena County—Free Rides for Summer Recreation/Activities: $1,500
- LEAP, Inc.—Staples-Motley GradBlast: $4,150
- LEAP, Inc.—Barn Quilts & More: $1,700
- City of Motley—Converse Park, Skatepark: $2,000
- Faith Lutheran Church—Back to School Fair 2023: $3,000
- Staples-Motley School District—High School Reality Store: $1,250
- Staples Area Men’s Chorus—Little Red Caboose 2023: $1,200
- Sourcewell—2023 Students of Character Sponsorship: $1,000
- LEAP, Inc.—2023 Sponsorship for the Staples-Motley High School Speech Team: $1,000
- Lakewood Health System Foundation—2023 Night of Giving Venue Sponsor: $1,000
Questions?
Do you want to know how to apply for a grant or how you might leave a lasting legacy to support this fund? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team (above) or reach out to Community Philanthropy Manager Amy Gray or Carl Newbanks, vice president of philanthropy. We’re here to help Central Minnesotans build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.
Start a Fund
Looking to leave a legacy in Central Minnesota? Start a Partner Fund with the Initiative Foundation and maximize your tax benefits while supporting important causes and organizations.