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 team 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.
Advisory Team
The Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Team is committed to improving the Staples Motley area.
Daniel Douts
ChairJohn Jewison
Advisory Team MemberSteve Gertken
Advisory Team MemberAmber Houselog
Advisory Team MemberHallie Bergeson
Advisory Team MemberLisa Fontaine
Advisory Team MemberBobbe Anderson
Advisory Team MemberApply 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
Donate Online: 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. Donate online! 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!
Mail a Check: To make donations and payments more secure and to streamline processes, the Initiative Foundation partners with Old National Bank. Please write the check to the Initiative Foundation, noting the Fund name on the memo line, and mail it 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.
Give a Planned Gift: 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!
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. Through an Initiative Foundation partnership with FreeWill, you can create your will online at no cost, and it only takes about 20 minutes. This simple step offers peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are documented and your future plans are secure.
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 are used to support current-year marketing and operating expenses. 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 this site
- Other recognition opportunities as they arise (corporate partners will be notified of these instances)
To become a corporate partner, complete the online form below. To give by mail, complete our PDF form and mail with a $250 payment to:
Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: SMACF
P.O. Box 64182
St. Paul, MN 55164-0182
Community Award Nomination
This is a form to collect community award nominations for the Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation.
"*" indicates required fields
Past Grants
2025
- Staples-Motley School District—Meat-Cutting Supplies: $750
- Staples Historical Society—The Polar Xpress Children’s Christmas Festival: $3,000
- Staples-Motley School District—Accessible Recess Equipment: $1,050
- LEAP, Inc.—Staples Trails Committee: $5,700
- Staples Motley Area Arts Council—Music in the Park Summer Series: $2,000
- Motley Community Events Organization: $2,500
- Faith Lutheran Church—Back to School Fair 2025: $2,000
- Old Wadena Society—Rendezvous and Chautauqua: $1,000
- LEAP, Inc.—Railroad Days: $2,500
- LEAP, Inc.—Cardinal Performing Art Center: $3,000
- Staples Area Men’s Chorus—Little Red Caboose Variety Show: $1,500
- Staples-Motley School District—The Cardinal Way 2.0: $2,000
- LEAP, Inc.—Staples Trail Committee Legacy Arboretum and Nature Trail: $2,000
- Wadena County—Free Rides for Summer Recreation/Activities: $1,500
2024
- LEAP, Inc.—Staples-Motley Golf Indoor Practice Facility: $3,000
- Staples-Motley School District—The Cardinal Way: $2,000
- Staples Historical Society—Polar Xpress Children’s Christmas Festival: $3,000
- Staples-Motley School District—Reality Store: $1,250
- Faith Lutheran Church—The Great Coat Giveaway: $750
- Staples Area Men’s Chorus—Little Red Caboose Variety Show: $1,000
- LEAP, Inc.—Railroad Days: $3,000
- City of Staples—Park Playground Improvement: $1,316
- Old Wadena Society—Old Wadena Rendezvous and Chautauqua: $2,000
- LEAP, Inc.—Staples Pickleball Association: $5,000
- LEAP, Inc.—Staples-Motley Grad Blast: $4,200
- Motley Community Events Organization—2024 June Fest: $3,000
- Staples Motley Beyond Poverty—Community Cleanup Support Project: $1,000
- Wadena County—Free Rides for Summer Recreation/Activities: $1,500
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
FREE Service: Make Your Will
Planning your estate has never been easier—or more accessible. Through an Initiative Foundation partnership with FreeWill, you can create your will online at no cost, and it only takes about 20 minutes. This simple step offers peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are documented and your future plans are secure.
By including this Partner Fund in your will, you can play a vital role in strengthening Central Minnesota. Your legacy can help build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a spirit of generosity that lasts for generations.
Not ready to finalize your plans? Use FreeWill to outline your wishes before meeting with an attorney. Take control of your legacy today—it’s quick, easy, and impactful.
Contact the Fund
Are you looking for how to engage with the fund, leave a legacy, or donate? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team or reach out to the Initiative Foundation. We’re here to help Central Minnesotans build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.
Email the Advisory Team
Call the Initiative Foundation
(320) 632-9255
Mail a Check
Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: SMACF
P.O. Box 64182
St. Paul, MN 55164-0182
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.