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 the three funding area of the Morrison County Area Foundation:

  • Education: especially in the development of informed and engaged citizens.
  • Health: including mental and physical health needs.
  • Developing Welcoming Communities: especially through programs that emphasize community connectedness, improve community appearance, and/or support equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Engage With the Fund

When you give to the Morrison County Area Foundation endowment fund, your gift establishes an enduring legacy that will benefit the Morrison County for years to come. 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-MCAF, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:

Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: MCAF
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 Morrison County Area 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 of Morrison County!

If you would like to leave the Morrison County Area 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 Morrison County Area Foundation, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Morrison County Area Foundation.

Engage With the Morrison County Area Foundation

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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

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.

Angie Petersen

Chair

Sarah Radermacher

Secretary/Treasurer

Phoebe Ward

Nancy Berg

Ashley Effinger

Steve Smith

Sabrina Koelsch

Fallon Ryan

Julia Mueller

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.

Community Philanthropy Manager

Amy Gray

Community Philanthropy Manager (320) 631-2042
Vice President of Philanthropy

Carl Newbanks

Vice President of Philanthropy (320) 631-2042

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.