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    WEST CENTRAL INITIATIVE

    Private FoundationIRS data 2018–2024
    FERGUS FALLS, MNEIN 363453471 Website

    Annual Giving

    $5.4M-22% YoY

    Grants

    187

    Median Grant

    $15K

    Organizations Funded

    —

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    Foundation Overview

    Mission

    Serving to improve west central Minnesota through funding, programs, and technical assistance. A vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world starts here in west central Minnesota. West Central Initiative is a community foundation and regional planning organization serving nine counties and White Earth Nation, committed to unleashing the full, dynamic potential of west central Minnesota through economic development, using their loan program and resources to help families, communities, and businesses thrive.

    Focus Areas

    main street/downtown revitalizationcommunity infrastructure and facility improvementsparks and recreation facilitiesk-12 education and school programsyouth development and extracurricularsarts and cultural programmingpublic library improvementssmall farm incubation and agricultural development

    Grant Types

    capital grantscapital campaignsprogram supportoperating supportequipment grantsscholarshipsindividual assistanceeconomic development grants

    Funded Initiatives

    Age-Friendly Community Grants to help communities work on age-friendly projects. Local Grant Development Assistance Program for infrastructure improvements and clean energy production and storage projects. West Central Area Education Foundation Vision 2025 Campaign raising $2.5M including $1M Academic Enrichment Fund. Early Childhood Initiative network including Early Childhood Dental Network and Early Childhood Mental Health Network. Resilient Communities Grant program for clean energy projects.

    How to Apply

    Apply for a Grant and Apply for a Loan services available. Age-Friendly Community Grants application open with February 6 deadline. Technical assistance available for applicants with limited experience through AFMN Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) grantees. Contact: Sarah Casey, Director of Strategic Communications, sarah@wcif.org, 218-998-1620.

    Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.

    Giving History

    2024-22%

    $5.4M

    Grants

    187

    Median

    $15K

    States

    8

    2023+171%

    $6.9M

    Grants

    146

    Median

    $18K

    States

    7

    2022

    $2.6M

    Grants

    86

    Median

    $14K

    States

    5

    Financial Overview

    YearTotal AssetsGrants Paid
    2024
    $96.5M
    $6.3M(6.5%)
    2023
    $88.8M
    $7.3M(8.3%)
    2022
    $87.1M
    $3.0M(3.5%)
    2021
    $80.9M
    $4.8M(6.0%)
    2020
    $88.1M
    $6.0M(6.8%)

    Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets

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    Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.

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