On June 7-8, the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations will celebrate two decades of partnerships and service to help rural Minnesota communities thrive.Ý

The Initiative Foundations were created in 1986 by The McKnight Foundation, Minnesotaís largest private foundation, in response to the drastic decline in the farming, logging, and mining industries in the 1980s.

These independent, charitable organizations work in Minnesotaís 80 rural counties to make each of their regions stronger and more prosperous. Each foundationís priorities are decided by people in its own region, with grants and loans supporting economic development; leadership development; community building; families, youth, and older adults; workforce development; and environmental issues.

ìThe beauty of this experiment in rural philanthropy is that, for 20 years, we have structured our mission and programs around the power of people,î said Kathy Gaalswyk, founding president of the Initiative Foundation, which serves central Minnesota from its office in Little Falls. ÝìEach foundation responds to regional needs and opportunities with local solutions.î

The Initiative Foundations promote economic and community development; build the leadership and planning capacity of local communities; coordinate and leverage resources; and stimulate local giving throughout Greater Minnesota.

Today, these organizations are recognized not only in Minnesota, but also across the nation for their significant accomplishments in building strong and sustainable rural communities.Ý

Since 1986, McKnight has invested a total of $200 million in the Initiative Foundations. In turn, they have translated those dollars into 2,800 business loans totaling more than $130 million, and made a combined 12,000 grants totaling $91 million. Together, the foundationsí endowments now equal more than $160 million, with business financing assets of nearly $60 million.

ìAt McKnight, we are extremely proud of our early involvement in the development of the Minnesota Initiative Foundations, as well as our own ongoing relationships,î says Erika L. Binger, chair of The McKnight Foundation. ÝìThe thoughtful leaders and community partners in each region deserve full credit ñ and McKnightís gratitude ñ for more than 20 successful and productive years.î

This week, the boards of trustees and staff of the Minnesota Initiative Foundations will gather in Duluth for a two-day retreat and celebration. Governor Tim Pawlenty proclaimed Thursday, June 8, 2006 as Minnesota Initiative Foundations Day.Ý

ìWe are honored to take part in the 20th anniversary event in Duluth,î said Peg Birk, interim president of The McKnight Foundation. ÝAlthough the foundationsí past 20 years provide amazing examples of what the people of Greater Minnesota can achieve, I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.î

About The McKnight Foundation

Founded in 1953 and endowed by William L. McKnight and Maude L.McKnight, The McKnight Foundation has assets of approximately $2 billion and granted about $90 million in 2005. McKnight is an independent private philanthropic organization; the Foundation has no relationship with the 3M Company, although McKnight was one of 3Mís early leaders.