Morrison County Area Foundation
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The goal of the Morrison County Area Foundation is to develop and strengthen community resources and to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and organizations in Morrison County and the surrounding area.
The vision of the fund is to achieve an outstanding quality of life and community vitality that makes Morrison County one of the most desirable places to live, work and raise a family in Minnesota.
The Morrison County Area Foundation is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Morrison County Area Foundation contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
Vision of the Fund
Build: To build a permanent, flexible and dependable endowment fund that benefits local communities.
Invest: To strategically invest in projects that achieve the greatest impact on local quality of life.
Serve: To serve donors and reward their generosity by helping them leave a legacy and maximize tax advantages.
Manage: To manage charitable gifts in a prudent manner for the long-term benefit of the area.
Assemble: To assemble a diverse and knowledgeable advisory board to help govern the Foundation.
Provide: To provide leadership to address important community needs or pursue new progressive opportunities.
Grants
Grants are awarded in three funding areas:
- Education: Investing in informed and engaged citizens.
- Health: Supporting mental and physical health needs.
- Developing Welcoming Communities: Fortifying programs that emphasize community connectedness, improve community appearance, and/or support equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
Engage With the Fund
Past Grants
2023
- Employment Enterprises, Inc.—Increasing Opportunities for Community Employment for Our Disabled Community Members: $1,000
- Hands of Hope Resource Center—Mental Health Services for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Morrison County: $1,000
- Friends of Linden Hill, Inc.—Linden Hill Historic Estate and Museum Sprinkler System Project: $1,000
- Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls—Green Fair Folk Festival: $1,000
- EAA 1681 Lucky Leven, Inc.—The Spirit of Aviation: $1,000
- Little Falls Community School District—A Touch of Art on Community Hearts: $1,000
- Morrison County United Way—2023-2024 Tools for Schools: $1,000
2024
- Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota—Meals for Low-Income/At-Risk Seniors in Morrison County: $800
- Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls—Green Fair Folk Festival: $500
- Junior Achievement North—2024-2025 Programming in Morrison County: $500
- Friends of Linden Hill, Inc.—Irrigation/Sprinkler: $2,000
- Morrison County United Way—2024-2025 Tools for Schools: $800
- Little Falls Bicycles—Helping Get More People on Bicycles: $500
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota—Pierz School-Based Youth Mentoring Program: $2,000
- Arrows Family Services—Caregiver Support Program: $1,400
Advisory Team
Local volunteers serve as advisory team members to advance the mission of the Morrison County Area 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.
Amy Wiener
ChairCarlie Mertens
SecretaryLaura Adamek
Ashley Effinger
Christina Johnson
Maggie Petersen
Jacqui Wilzcek
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.
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.