Formerly known as the Isle Area Community Foundation (IACF), the Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation (MLACF) 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’s Community Philanthropy Team 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 board now known as the MLACF.
In 2021, the MLACF began awarding grants.
The Fund
The MLACF is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation and serves the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area. The MLACF makes annual grants to eligible organizations, including nonprofits, schools and local units of government. For more information, visit ifound.org.
Partnership
Created in 1986, the Initiative Foundation helps people throughout Central Minnesota build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and lasting culture of generosity.
The Foundation serves the 14 counties of Central Minnesota providing nonprofit grants, business loans, leadership training and an array of donor services. We believe that local people have the greatest sum of initiative, knowledge and relationships to achieve a brighter future.