West Central Initiative awarded $600,000 in grants to 72 organizations across the region. This year marked both the largest number of organizations funded in West Central Initiative’s 40-year grantmaking history and the highest number of grant applications ever received. Grants support organizations advancing civic engagement, environmental sustainability, social change, and cross-sector community initiatives across the…
On two summer days in June 2025, groups of community members from around the west central region of Minnesota gathered at Farm in the Dell and New Roots Farm Incubator to spend time working alongside farmers, sharing meals made from locally grown food, and talking honestly about the challenges and opportunities within our region’s food…
Funds benefit organizations serving the Fergus Falls, Perham, and Dent communities West Central Initiative awarded 59 grants totaling more than $113,000 to organizations serving the Fergus Falls, Perham, and Dent communities from three personally endowed funds. “The Deloris Barnack Kenner, Floyd and Harriet Miller, and Inga M. Johnson Funds were established to create lasting impacts by…
The Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, Inc., now has an outdoor classroom, a hydroponic farm, and endless opportunities for plants and youth to grow year-round! The Hydroponic Farm The hydroponic farm education program is a unique program that not only offers educational opportunities for the Boys & Girls Club members but also provides access to tasty, nutritious food. Youth have…
Seven local nonprofits received grants of up to $75,000 West Central Initiative was selected by the Otto Bremer Trust as a philanthropic intermediary partner to administer and distribute funds through its Community Responsive Fund. “These dedicated organizations are meeting critical needs while also building long-term strength for our region,” said West Central Initiative Grants Officer…
West Central Initiative awarded grants totaling $570,000 to 55 organizations working across the region to address sustainability, equity, and civic engagement. “These grants represent more than just funding—they’re a collective investment in a stronger region,” said Director of Development Rebecca Lynn Petersen. “We’re honored to support organizations whose work uplifts our communities and sets ripples…
Last summer, Rural Initiatives Strategist Kate Mudge and I had a “farm day” and visited several of our grantees in the Moorhead area. Here are a few examples showcasing how sustainability, education, and equity intersect in action across our region. Harvest Hope Farm Harvest Hope Farm is a kid’s dream, and every year, many lucky Moorhead…
My colleagues at West Central Initiative often smile when I say, “Donor Advised Funds are the coolest thing,” because they know that this mantra of mine is so very true. Not only do Donor Advised Funds help the donor with charitable giving throughout the year, but what our donors do with these funds makes a…
Providing a Home, Hope, and Healing In 2009, Becky Weers recognized a growing need to support single, pregnant women who had nowhere to turn. Driven by compassion and a desire to make a difference, Becky founded Welcome House, Inc. to provide a safe place for soon-to-be single mothers. Since then, Welcome House’s objective has evolved. Over the…
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