West Central Initiative is accepting applications now through Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. for grant funding to support environmental sustainability, social change and civic-engagement projects in our region. 

West Central Initiative’s Grants Officer, Amanda Quam, emphasized the importance of these grant opportunities in promoting a healthy and resilient region. 

“Environmental sustainability, social change, and civic engagement are essential pillars for our communities,” said Quam. “We created our West Central Initiative Grants with those priorities in mind.” 

West Central Initiative will award grants in three focus areas: 

• Environmental Sustainability Grants will support community-led projects and nonprofits with a focus on sustainability and climate initiatives.  

• Social Change Grants will support organizations working with historically marginalized communities to advance equity and systems change. 

• Civic Engagement Grants will support nonpartisan organizations that promote social change, cultivate local leadership, educate communities about government and civic systems, and encourage participation in public meetings. 

To simplify the application process, organizations can submit one application to cover multiple focus areas. Most grants will range from $3,000 to $10,000—although organizations may apply for up to $25,000.  

West Central Initiative will host informational webinars on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. to explain the guidelines and answer questions.  

Visit www.wcif.org/west-central-initiative-grants to register for a webinar, learn more, and apply. 

About West 

Central Initiative 

West Central Initiative is a place-based nonprofit, community foundation, and regional development organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for White Earth Nation and Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties. 

Since its founding in 1986, West Central Initiative has provided funding, technical assistance, planning resources, and philanthropic services to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the region. The organization has provided more than $62 million in loans and approximately $93 million in grants to businesses and organizations. Learn more at wcif.org.