Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation
Forecasted
Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation supports watershed communities through projects in environmental stewardship, recreation, sustainable food and community pride to strengthen local vitality.
Funder: Initiative Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Past awards: $500–$4,310 per project (2023–2025)
Summary: Supports Mille Lacs Lake Watershed projects in environmental stewardship, recreation, sustainable food programs, and community pride.
Key Information: Applicants must be within the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area; community groups need a mission-related, tax-exempt fiscal host.
Description
The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation, a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation, gathers and distributes charitable gifts to make lasting contributions to communities in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area. Its annual grants support environmental stewardship and community beautification, economic vitality, sustainable farming and food programs, and community pride.
Supported work includes protecting water quality, natural habitats and green spaces; offering environmentally conscientious outdoor recreation; and bringing thoughtfully raised, nutrient-rich foods to people experiencing hunger. The fund also supports art, cultural events and storytelling that bring natural history to life, along with recognition of volunteers who contribute to local vitality. A local volunteer advisory team combines community knowledge and leadership with the Initiative Foundation’s professional expertise, oversight and stewardship.
