Greater Pine Area Endowment
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The Greater Pine Area Endowment works to provide financial resources to meet the long-term strategic needs of the Greater Pine Area Community, focusing on economic and community development. The fund awards grants for economic development projects that that lead to quality job creation or high tech employment; community development projects that promote community pride and quality of life through environmental stewardship and community beautification; community development projects that positively impact the housing, safety, employment and other needs of the more vulnerable members of the community including youth, the elderly and those who are low-income.
The Greater Pine Area Endowment is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Greater Pine Area Endowment contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
Greater Pine Area Endowment Impact
30+
Years Making Grants
600
Grants Awarded Throughout the Pine City Area
$607,000
In Grants to benefit Local Organizations
Apply for a Grant
Applicants must:
- be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, unit of government or public school district;
- serve the people who live and/or work within the physical boundaries of ISD 578; and
- have a project that fits within the funding priorities.
The spring grant application is open on Feb. 1. The deadline for submission is March 31. Projects submitted for consideration during this round should not begin earlier than May 15th.
The fall grant grant application is open on July 1. Deadline for submission is Aug. 31. Projects submitted for consideration during this round should not begin earlier than October 15.
Engage With the Fund
Past Grants
2023
- A Place For You—A Kitchen For You: $3,000
- Pine EMS, Inc.—Radios: $3,000
- Pine Dragons PTO—Strike Out School Supplies and Color Run Fundraiser: $2,500
- Changing Gaits, Inc.—Youth Guidance: Two NEVER Alone Again.: $612
- Pine Dragons Parent Teacher Organization—End of Year Appreciation Events: $1,250
- Children of Joy Preschool—Playground Improvement Project: $4,150
Principles of the Advisory Team
- To be visionary, focusing on the long-term benefit of our community.
- To be open and honest in our communications, be committed to conducting ourselves with integrity and consistency.
- To be proactive in our leadership style, encouraging broad participation in determining future direction.
- To be fair, ethical and moral in our conduct.
- To listen to each other and the community, seeking to understand.
- To be loyal to the work of the GPAE, demonstrating commitment through giving of time and financial resources.
- To keep the community fully informed of our work.
Advisory Team
Local volunteers serve as advisory team members to advance the mission of the Greater Pine Area Endowment. 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 the investments.
Tom Gahler
ChairNancy Mach
Vice ChairBlake Anderson
Mike Anderson
Cami Babolik
Corey Berube
Nick Olson
Chelsie Troth
TreasurerJason Wiener
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.