The Start of Something Big––With Roger and Carol McCannon 

40 years ago, in the midst of the nationwide farming crisis of the 1980s, one family foundation realized that Minnesotans living outside of the Twin Cities metro needed help. 

The McKnight Foundation stepped in to partner with local citizen groups across greater Minnesota, providing funding to help these groups formally organize six Minnesota Initiative Foundations. 

In 1986, West Central Initiative was formed, covering nine counties and White Earth Nation, 82 towns, and more than 230,000 residents. 

At the time, Roger McCannon, Director of Continuing Education and Regional Programs with the University of Minnesota Morris, was tapped to form and lead this group as the founding chair of the Board of Directors. 

Roger and his wife, Carol, recall that the group had a grassroots mission and vision to identify and solve the issues at hand. The Board of Directors was made up of community members who truly cared about the region and had a vested interest in making sure West Central Initiative’s plan for the future created opportunities where all could thrive. 

Leading Generosity Through Education and Action

Carol and Roger met at Drake University, where they both were employed. The couple married in 1976 and moved to Morris, Minnesota, where they worked at the University of Minnesota Morris and reside today.

“We raised our family here and remain invested in the Morris community, which is rich in diversity and community spirit,” Roger said.

Education and giving back are important to the McCannons. Roger earned a PhD in Adult Education and served on the local School Board. Carol, an English major, worked in the Office of Student Activities at the University of Minnesota Morris, which provided students with opportunities to serve throughout the community and region.

Early Philanthropy

Roger recalls his mother as always ready to help feed others.

“In the early years, men who ‘rode the rails’ would stop by our back door and receive a sandwich prepared by my mother,” Roger remembered. “On occasion, a bottle of milk from our milk delivery would go missing. Nothing was ever said, as we knew someone needed a little extra help.”

As life went on, Roger’s mother continued to help others from their home while his father was delivering Meals on Wheels.

Carol’s parents were active in their church, and her mother gave free piano lessons.

As a young adult, Carol enlisted in the Peace Corps and spent a brief time in Ethiopia, where she learned about the global impact of service and the concept of thinking globally and acting locally.

“We were grateful to have learned about philanthropy through the actions of our parents, and now we’re witnessing the same through our adult children as they participate in easing a burden to those who could use some help,” Carol stated.

Carol also saw the positive impacts on college students of giving back and building communities.

“Having opportunities to attend a land grant school meant opportunities for service,” Carol said. “The community of Morris received great benefit from students through the many service-learning projects available at that time.”

As the McCannons look forward, they know there is always something more to do, somewhere to serve, and something to learn. Carol looks forward to introducing philanthropy to more young people and appreciates the 4H model of youth serving through head, heart, hands, and health.

Among the many ways in which the McCannons support the community, some of their favorite causes are public radio, the arts, older-adult education, and the food shelf.

As older adults, they continue to champion learning and giving through providing opportunities for all ages.

“It’s important to give back what you’ve been given, especially to your community,” Carol said.

Through the University of Minnesota President’s Club, the McCannons established a scholarship for students and were among the original donors for the creation of the Regional Fitness Center located in Morris.

Making the Possible a Reality

“It has been 40 years since we helped create West Central Initiative, and we are thankful to have access to what has become a robust regional community foundation for all,” Roger said.

Reflecting on what started as a ripple, West Central Initiative has now become a wave of generosity, providing millions of dollars of investment back into our region through grants, loans, and gifts from individuals, families, and businesses.

Roger and Carol invite everyone to join them in making a larger contribution with an eye toward a more inclusive and broader definition of philanthropy over the next 40 years, with a gift to or through West Central Initiative.