Initiative Foundation announces community investments

LITTLE FALLS - The Initiative Foundation announced it awarded 14 community grants totaling $52,500.

The following organizations were selected as grant recipients:

Cass County, Walker, Wabedo Lake Chain Wastewater Inspections, $5,000, to provide certified inspections and possible loans for replacing or upgrading older septic systems in order to protect public health and water quality.

Central Lakes College, Brainerd, Lakes Area Human Resources Association, $1,000, to host a planning session in order to identify goals and opportunities related to the needs of human resource professionals.

Northland Area Family Service Center, Longville, "A Second Chance" Thrift Store, $5,000, to support initial operations of a charitable thrift store that will provide training to area high school students and whose revenue will support programs for children and families in need.

United Way of Crow Wing and Southern Cass Counties, Brainerd, Brainerd Lakes Area Youth as Resources, $5,000, for renewed support of an intergenerational leadership program that funds youth community service projects.

In partnership with other lenders, the Initiative Foundation provides business financing to promote local ownership and secure quality jobs. The following businesses were recently selected as loan recipients:

Paul's Fireplace Wood Inc., Little Falls, to finance the expansion of a wood supplier to area restaurants and businesses.

The Initiative Foundation seeks projects that strengthen central Minnesota communities and address barriers to economic development. In 2009, nearly 60 percent of its total grant funds and all discretionary grant funding, will go toward economic recovery efforts to help distressed families, workers and small businesses. Inquiries for grant and loan applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are generally reviewed within three weeks of receipt. More information is available online at www.ifound.org.