Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation provides financial and human connections to support a healthy place to live, learn, work and play.
The Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
Apply for a Grant
The goal of the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation is to improve and strengthen the community by supporting projects that fit one or more of the following areas:
- A place to raise families that prepare our kids for a healthy future.
- An environmentally friendly place to live work and play for future generations
- Create an environment that is adaptable, respectful and diverse
- A place you want to be and come back to
- A thriving community with emphasis on providing people with what they need to succeed
To be eligible for funding, an organization must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, unit of government or public school district.
- Serve the people who live and/or work in the 9 townships surrounding Hackensack including Hiram, Woodrow, Birch, Powers, Ponto, Deerfield, Shingobee South, Turtle Lake South and Pine Lake.
- Have a project that fits within the funding priorities. See the grant guidelines for more information. The grant application is open April 1st – 30th.
Engage With the Fund
Give Online: When you give to the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation, your gift establishes an enduring legacy that will benefit the Hackensack area for years to come. Donate now! 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: HLACF
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 Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation advisory team 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 Hackensack Lakes 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 Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation.
Engage With the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation
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Past Grants
2025
- Pine Mountaineer Senior Center—General Operations Support: $800
- Northwoods Arts Council—Lakeside Concerts 2025: $800
- Hackensack Game Changers—Community Garden Improvement: $800
- Hackensack Game Changers—Snowflake Seasonal Decor: $800
- Paws and Claws Rescue & Resort—Community Outreach: $800
- SNIP Spay & Neuter Impact Program of Central Minnesota: $800
- Hackensack Game Changers—Welcome and Wayfinding Signs: $800
- Hackensack Game Changers—Game Changers Beautification Committee: $800
- The Hackensack Hub: $800
2024
- Deep Portage Foundation—Weather Station: $1,000
- Hackensack Game Changers—Hackensack Community Garden: $500
- Northwoods Arts Council—2024 Lakeside Concert Series: $500
- Northwoods Arts Council—2024 Music Festival Featuring Josh Duffee and his Big Band: $500
- City of Hackensack—Local Housing Trust Fund: $500
- Game Changers Beautification Team—Hackensack Neighbor Helping Neighbor Community Clean-up: $500
- Hackensack Game Changers—Beautification Flower Team: $675
- Pine Mountaineer Senior Center—Community Support: $800
2023
- Hackensack Game Changers—Neighbor Helping Neighbor Community Clean-up Project: $800
- Hackensack Game Changers—Hackensack Community Garden New Storage Shed: $250
- SNIP-Spay & Neuter Impact Program of Central Minnesota: $750
- Northwoods Arts Council—2023 Musical Events: $500
- Pine Mountaineer Senior Citizens Club—Community Support: $500
- Paws & Claws Rescue & Resort—Walking Path: $500
Advisory Team
Local volunteers serve as advisory team members to advance the mission of the Hackensack Lakes Area 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.
Sue Kostka
Advisory Team ChairTom Cox
Advisory Team MemberMitchell Bouchonville
Advisory Team MemberLarry Refsland
Advisory Team MemberKris Biessener
Advisory Team MemberBarbara Sherlock
Advisory Team MemberSandra Shirek
Advisory Team Member
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.
Hackensack Game Changers
The Game Changers committee started the ball rolling and one of their major accomplishments is the creation of the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation. The Game Changers is now a separate 501(c)(3) and continues to work on projects to benefit our community.
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.
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.