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
Give Online: 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. Donate now! 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!
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: 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.
Give a Planned Gift: 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!
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. 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 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
Advisory Team MemberCaity Eggen
SecretaryPastor Timothy Bauer
Advisory Team MemberArdy Becklin
Advisory Team MemberMarrianne Hasselberg
Advisory Team MemberJennifer Taylor
Advisory Team MemberDestiny Theisen
Advisory Team MemberJan Jude
Advisory Team MemberPast Grants
2025
- Trinity Lutheran Church—Milaca Wolves Snack Pack Program: $1,000
- Arrows Family Services—Youth First: $700
- Mille Lacs County—Childcare Appreciation Event: $1,000
- Milaca Recfest & Activities—Milaca Country Fest & Jam 2025: $1,000
- Milaca Recfest & Activities—RecFest 2025: $1,000
- Milaca School District—Unified Track and Field Meet: $1,000
- City of Milaca—Milaca Trails Event: $1,000
- City of Milaca—Annual Fire Department Open House: $1,000
- Mille Lacs County DAC: $1,000
- Pease Christian Reformed Church—Fireworks: $700
- Milaca American Legion Post 178—Milaca Scouting: $1,000
2024
- Arrows Family Services—Arrows After School: $1,000
- City of Milaca—2024 Milaca Rhythm on the Rum Parade: $800
- City of Milaca—2024 Kids Hands-on Event: $550
- Foreston Fire Department—Turnout Gear Refresh: $1,000
- Milaca Fine Arts Council—Music in the Park 2024: $800
- Milaca Fire and Rescue—Fire Safety Week Education and Open House: $1,000
- Milaca High School Hall of Fame—2024 Induction Ceremony: $500
- Milaca RecFest & Activities: $750
- Milaca School District—Milaca Unified Track & Field Meet: $1,000
- Rum River Special Education Cooperative—Communication Boards Promoting Playground Inclusion: $1,000
- Trinity Lutheran Church of Milaca—Milaca Wolves Snack Pack Program: $1,000
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
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.