Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation serves as a vehicle for gathering and distributing charitable gifts to make a lasting contribution to local communities. The fund focuses on projects within the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area that involve environmental stewardship and community beautification; economic vitality; sustainable farming and food programs; and community pride.
The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation is a proud supporter of the Keep It Clean campaign. Learn more.
Grants
The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation accepts grant applications from June 1 through Sept. 15 for projects in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area that focus on:
- Environmental Stewardship: Protecting and promoting water quality, natural habitats and green spaces.
- Economic Vitality: Conducting outdoor recreational events and opportunities in environmentally conscientious ways.
- Sustainable Farming and Food Programs: Bringing thoughtfully raised, nutrient-rich foods to the hungry in our communities.
- Community Pride: Bringing natural history to life through art, cultural events and storytelling and recognizing volunteers who drive the vitality of our area.
Grant applications are reviewed in October. Grant recommendations for funding are awarded in November.
Eligible applicants include organizations within the geographic area defined as the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area.
501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, other local units of government and community groups operating through a mission-related fiscal host with the appropriate tax-exempt status.
The Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area includes: Cities of Isle, Garrison, Onamia, Vineland and Wahkon; Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe; Townships of Bay Lake, Eastside, Garrison, Hazelton, Isle Harbor, Kathio, Lakeside, Malmo, Roosevelt, South Harbor and Wealthwood.
Engage With the Fund
Advisory Team
Local volunteers serve as advisory team members to advance the mission of the Mille Lacs Area 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 investments.
Kelly LaBrosse
ChairAnn Brucciani Lyon
Vice ChairBarb Eller
Secretary/TreasurerBrad Harrington
Member at LargeCarol Jacobs
Member at LargeJodi Oines
Member at LargePast Grants
2024
- Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District—Keep It Clean: $4,310
2023
- Isle School District (ISD #473)—Inclusive Playground: $500
- Onamia City Council (Parks and Recreation)—City Park Improvement: $500
- Isle Area Pickleball Association—Court Renovation Project: $500
- Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Program—Privacy Fencing for Fawn and Raccoon Enclosures: $500
- East Central Regional Development Commission—Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway Common Loon Artificial Nesting Platform: $500
History of the Fund
Formerly known as the Isle Area Community Foundation (IACF), the Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation was started in 2006 with a single $9,000 gift from VFW Post 2816 (now 2762).
Not long after its creation, the IACF advisory board disbanded and the fund quietly grew under the care of the Initiative Foundation to $20,000, the threshold necessary to begin making grants.
During the summer of 2020, the Initiative Foundation conducted a review of all its Partner Fund agreements. At the same time, an Isle-area-community member participated in an Initiative Foundation training program. This combination of events sparked a conversation that led to the assembly of a new advisory team now known as the Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation.
In 2021, the Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation began awarding grants.
Questions?
Do you want to know how to apply for a grant or how you might leave a lasting legacy to support this fund? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team (above) or reach out to Community Philanthropy Manager Amy Gray or Carl Newbanks, vice president of philanthropy. 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.