West Central Initiative awarded grants totaling $570,000 to 55 organizations working across the region to address sustainability, equity, and civic engagement. Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, was awarded a grant for their hydroponic farm education program, which provides agricultural education and healthy food access.
“These grants represent more than just funding—they’re a collective investment in a stronger region,” said Director of Development Rebecca Lynn Petersen. “We’re honored to support organizations whose work uplifts our communities and sets ripples of good in motion.”
“The remarkable volume of high-quality applications we received this year speaks to the extraordinary energy, bold ideas, and deep commitment driving change in our communities,” said Grants Officer Amanda Quam. “While we couldn’t fund every project, we were inspired by the vision and dedication shared in each application. We look forward to continuing to support and uplift the good work happening throughout our region.”
These grants were made possible through the West Central Initiative Endowment. If you’d like to make an impact and help regional and local initiatives, consider donating to the Start a Ripple Campaign at wcif.org/donate. Your generosity can help make ripples of good in the communities you love.
Other area groups and organizations receiving grants are:
- Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, Inc.for the Hydroponic Farm Education Program, which provides agricultural education and healthy food access.
- City of Henningfor the Trinity Center cellular shade project, which will reduce heat loss and improve the center’s energy efficiency.
- City of Pelican Rapids for EcoRide Equity: Pedaling Towards Inclusivity, which will establish an equitable e-bike program at the Pelican Rapids Public Library.
- Cornerstone Community and Youth Center forCultural Fusion to offer culturally relevant programs in collaboration with White Earth Nation and cultural groups.
- Dilworth Glyndon Felton Public School #2164for Native Voices and culturally responsive professional development to create a school where all students feel like they belong, are valued, seen, and heard.
- Empowering Kids Perham for the establishment and facilitation of a parent and caregiver support group for families of neurodivergent children.
- Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf for a new cooler for the fruit and vegetable recovery program to utilize discarded fresh produce.
- Fergus Falls Public Schools #544 for theRooted in History, Growing Our Future prairie restoration initiative.
- Izaak Walton League Prairie Woods Chapter for creating an outdoor pollinator and environmental science classroom at the Detroit Lakes Boys & Girls Club in collaboration with a Boy Scout Troop 674 Eagle Scout.
- Lake Region Healthcare Foundation for the Lake Region Takes Root Community Garden
- Lakes Country Service Cooperative for theYouth in Leadership Launchpad project to strengthen civic engagement and leadership development among high school students.
- League of Women Voters, Detroit Lakes Areafor Democracy in Action to educate, energize, and engage community members about local government, democracy, and voting.
- Minnesota Flyers Gymnasticsfor FlyTime, which offers fitness equality for individuals who have physical or emotional limitations that require extra assistance and specialized equipment.
- Otter Tail County for the Empowering Workers Program, which provides training and services to individuals and families to overcome barriers to employment and obtain high-demand jobs that pay a household-sustaining wage.
- Project 412 for theHOTdish: Turning Ideas into Action & Community into Changemakers annual grassroots event designed to inspire and fund community-driven projects in Detroit Lakes.
- YMCA of the Northern Sky – Fercho for YMCA Youth in Government, which provides students in grades 8 through 12 with a hands-on opportunity to engage in civic education.