Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund

A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation

About the Fund

Advanced manufacturing is a cornerstone of our region’s economy, paying good wages and offering significant opportunities for advancement. The goal of the Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund is to support post-secondary education scholarships for attracting students to these manufacturing careers in the Central Minnesota counties of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Aitkin.

The Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.

Engage With the Fund

Donate Online: When you give to the Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund, your gift establishes an enduring legacy that will benefit the students of the area for years to come. Give now! If your employer makes matching donations, 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 Bremer Bank. Please write the check to Initiative Foundation-Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:

Initiative Foundation – 446122
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 Through 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.

Give a Planned Gift: If you would like to contribute another type of gift, please contact 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 Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund 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 Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Lakes Area Manufacturers Fund .

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.

Questions?

Do you want to know how to apply for a grant or how you might leave a lasting legacy to support this fund? 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.

Community Philanthropy Manager

Amy Gray

Community Philanthropy Manager (320) 631-2062
Vice President of Philanthropy

Carl Newbanks

Vice President of Philanthropy (320) 631-2042