West Central Initiative

Looking to make a difference in west central Minnesota? Join our team as an American Connection Corps (ACC) AmeriCorps Member. As an ACC AmeriCorps Member, you'll have a front-row seat to the challenges facing rural communities. Gain valuable experience in community development, leadership, and problem-solving while also making a meaningful impact in the lives of those around you. Ready to make a difference? Apply to serve with us!

To Lynn Middleton-Koller, the old Fergus Falls Public Library was more than bricks and shelves of books. It was a magical world that shaped her childhood—a treasure house of stories that inspired her curiosity and opened her to many ways of thinking and living.  Lynn’s love for the library compelled her to support the recent library remodel and expansion from nearly 200 miles away. Lynn, along with other generous donors, contributed to the Fergus Falls Public Library Foundation, managed by West Central Initiative, making this project possible.  For several years, Lynn made contributions to the Library Fund without knowing much about West Central Initiative. One day, curiosity drove her to learn more. Read Lynn’s full story in our 2023 Annual Review on our website. 

Join our team as our Development Specialist! The Development Specialist:  🤝 Provides administrative and project support to West Central Initiative’s development team.   💌 Acknowledges and processes gifts, facilitates data maintenance and reporting, synchronizes department workflow, and coordinates outreach.  📅 Helps our general operation run smoothly by managing conference space requests and ensuring our facility is properly maintained.  We’ll begin reviewing applications on May 1, but the position will remain open until filled. Learn more about this position at https://wcif.org/careers/. Send your cover letter and resume to info@wcif.org to apply. #hiring #nonprofit #philanthropy

Congratulations to our board member, Tyler Wirth of FamliCare, for taking second place in the 2024 FastLane94 Trailblazer Pitch Competition!

Want to learn more about our West Central Initiative Grants? Get your questions answered at one of our informational webinars! 🔗 Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. at https://lnkd.in/gHEy7N8s   🔗 Friday, April 26 at 11 a.m. at https://lnkd.in/gkrzFUxf  During these webinars, we’ll cover eligibility details, explain the application process, and provide a platform for questions and answers. 

In March, a cohort of climate leaders from Minnesota attended the Aspen Ideas: Climate Conference in Miami Beach. Six members of the cohort work in climate in west central Minnesota. Visit our blog to read six conference takeaways from Anna Wasescha, April Rog, Cedar Walters, Benjamin Schierer, Brogan Ludwig, and Griffin Peck.

Head to the University of Minnesota Morris on April 8 for a free screening of Join or Die. Join or Die is an award-winning documentary that centers on America’s civic unraveling through the journey of social scientist Robert Putnam, whose decades-long research on the decline in community connections lights a path out of our democracy’s present crisis. Complimentary appetizers and refreshments will follow the screening. Register to attend at https://lnkd.in/g5m_h4UG #JoinOrDie #documentary #freescreening

📣 Calling all west central Minnesota nonprofits!  We’re accepting West Central Initiative Grant applications now through April 30 for four priority areas:   🌱 Sustainability Grants will support community-led projects and nonprofits with a focus on sustainability and climate action.  ⚖️ Equity Grants will support organizations working to make our region more equitable by supporting historically marginalized populations.  🇺🇸 Democracy Grants will support nonpartisan organizations that are strengthening rural democracy in our region.    🤝Rural Social Isolation Grants will support organizations working to create wellness ecosystems that strengthen community bonds, combat social isolation, and promote mental health initiatives in rural communities. Learn more about this grant opportunity and apply on our website. #grantopportunity #nonprofit 

🌟Get involved in your community. Attend a Going Local workshop! Going Local offers free two-hour workshops to learn about community and civic engagement opportunities, build relationships with others who care about their community, and strengthen democracy. We’re excited to offer three workshops this spring across the region:   📌 Moorhead Workshop: April 18  📌 Detroit Lakes Workshop: May 2  📌 Perham Workshop: May 16 The workshops are free and include a complimentary dinner. Visit wcif.org/rural-democracy to learn more and register for a workshop!   

🌟Join our spring Run4Rural cohort! We are excited to offer three training sessions this spring to accommodate participants from across the region: Alexandria Training: April 19 & 20 at Alexandria Technical and Community College Moorhead Training: May 3 & 4 at the Hjemkomst Center Fergus Falls Training: May 17 & 18 at the West Central Initiative Office Run4Rural is our 1 ½ day public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan training will be useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community whether or not they have decided to run for office. If you’re interested in learning the practical skills needed to build a local campaign that is authentic and community-focused, visit wcif.org/rural-democracy to learn more and apply!