About Us
Overview
The six Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIFs) are strong, independent entities that are built to respond to regional needs and opportunities. Each foundation serves its rural region with unique grants, business loans, programs and donor services. Together, we reach every corner of Greater Minnesota.
History
In the early 1980s, declines in cornerstone industries like farming and mining were stripping rural communities of people, jobs and hope. Believing that the people of rural Minnesota were best positioned to make decisions for themselves, the McKnight Foundation joined forces with Greater Minnesota leaders to take action. McKnight envisioned a regional strategy that would encourage local giving and local responsibility for the long-term welfare of each region. The experiment worked.
Since 1986 the six MIFs have been reliable partners and resources, together serving all of Greater Minnesota beyond the Twin Cities metro region. The foundations also leverage support from governments, other foundations, businesses and individuals who wish to invest in the future of their communities, and put those resources to work, on the ground, across rural Minnesota. Since the beginning of this great experiment, the Minnesota Initiative Foundations have leveraged a total of $770.3 million for Greater Minnesota’s future.
Without Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation I couldn’t grow. SMIF gave me a loan for equipment and inventory so I was able to build up a new kitchen which was necessary for opening the business. They also call me to see if I need help. That makes a big difference for business owners. Not just the money, but the support.
The Northland Foundation supports rural organizations to address needs the communities themselves identify. They have helped us envision a bright future for our community, create solutions and build sustainable results.
We needed a lender to take the risk. The entire package would have fallen apart without the Initiative Foundation. The Foundation had faith in us, and it worked.