West Central Initiative Now Accepting Proposals for 2021 Resiliency Fund Grants
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – (Oct. 20, 2020) – West Central Initiative is currently accepting proposals for Resiliency Fund grants.
The Resiliency Fund was established in March 2020 to respond to the immediate COVID-19 needs of the region and the long-term recovery of west central Minnesota. The current grant round retains emphasis on pandemic response and recovery, while refining the focus to efforts in two crucial areas: racial equity and sustainable development.
“COVID-19 is a crisis unlike any we’ve faced before,” said Wendy Merrick, Director of Programs. “The people and places that have been hardest hit are responding not only to the pandemic, but to the two areas these grants will impact.”
Organizations leading community efforts to address racial equity or sustainable development (or both!) are encouraged to apply. Most grants will be for $3,000 to $10,000, but a few may be larger. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, November 13. Award decisions will be made by December 18. Proposal review is being conducted by individuals from across the region who have on-the-ground experience in racial justice and sustainability work. These same peer partners helped to design the grant program.
Grant guidelines and access to an online application link can be found at www.wcif.org. Interested applicants within the nine-county WCI service area can contact Wendy Merrick through email at [email protected], or call 218-998-1622 to respond to questions or assist in other ways.
“Also, if you’re wondering what you can do to help, consider contributing to our 2020 Resiliency Fund,” said West Central Initiative President Anna Wasescha. “The real impact of COVID-19 may not be realized for years to come. That’s why we’ll continue to work to secure funds from individuals, communities, businesses and organizations. Your gift, of any amount, contributes to the economic and community health of west central Minnesota.” Donations to the 2020 Resiliency Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
West Central Initiative is a regional community foundation serving the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin and the White Earth Nation within Becker County. WCI invests resources in our communities for regional success, using the tools of economic development and community development, and by promoting philanthropy. Learn more at www.wcif.org.
