Rum River Community Foundation
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The Rum River Community Foundation is led by an advisory team of local volunteers who have made a commitment to strengthen local communities. Created in 2011, the vision is to improve the quality of life in the cities of Bock, Foreston, Milaca, and Pease; and the townships of Bogus Brook, Borgholm, Hayland, Milaca, Milo and Page.
The Rum River Community Foundation is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Rum River Community Foundation contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
Mission of the Fund
- Providing opportunities through proposals that improve parks, outdoor assets, recreation events, and activities for residents and visitors.
- Enhancing community livability by encouraging volunteerism instilling a sense of pride through community involvement.
- Strengthening community involvement of the youth through support of positive activities, mentorship opportunities, and education activities.
Apply for a Grant
The grant portal for the Rum River Community Foundation is open all year. The Rum River Community Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations; school districts; local units of government and community groups operating through a mission-related fiscal host with the appropriate tax status. Our grants support three categories:
- Parks and Recreation: Providing opportunities through proposals that improve parks, outdoor assets, recreation events, and activities for residents and visitors.
- Community: Enhancing community livability by encouraging volunteerism and instilling a sense of pride through community involvement
- Youth: Strengthening community involvement of our youth through support of positive activities, mentorship opportunities, and education activities.
View the grant guidelines to learn more.
Engage With the Fund
When you give to the Rum River Community Foundation, your gift establishes an enduring legacy that will benefit the communities surrounding the Rum River 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-RRCF, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:
Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: RRCF
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 Rum River 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 Rum River area!
If you would like to leave Rum River 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 Rum River Community Foundation, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Rum River Community Foundation.
Engage With the Rum River Community Foundation
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Each year the fund hosts the Spring Gala and Oktoberfiesta in the fall. Both events are a great way to connect with the community while supporting the Rum River Community Foundation. Follow the Facebook page to learn more.
Advisory Team
Local volunteers serve as advisory team members to advance the mission of the Rum River Community Foundation. The partnership with the Initiative Foundation combines local knowledge and leadership with additional professional expertise, oversight and guidance to identify community needs, serve donors and manage the investments.
Dave Dillan
ChairBrianna Hoskins
TreasurerCaity Eggen
SecretaryPastor Tim Bauer
Ardy Becklin
Marrianne Hasselberg
Jan Jude
Harold “Pete” Pederson
Jennifer Taylor
Destiny Theisen
Past Grants
2023
- Milaca School District—Replacement of Hurdles: $800
- City of Milaca—2023 Milaca Parade: $600
- Arrows Family Services—Youth First: $1,000
- Trinity Lutheran Church of Milaca—Milaca Wolves Snack Pack Program: $1,000
- Milaca School District—Milaca Do-abetic Pack: $600
- Milaca Public School—Varsity Baseball Mound: $1,000
- Save the Brays Donkey Rescue—Save the Barn: $500
The following grants were awarded to the city of Milaca:
- 2023 Milaca Parade: $600
- Milaca Recfest & Activities: $600
- Milaca Trail System Rest Area Benches: $1,000
- Milaca Senior Center Ongoing Activities: $500
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.