West Central Initiative

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Join entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, lenders, advisors, and neighbors from across Greater Minnesota for the Do Business With Purpose Summit on August 27 in Sartell, Minnesota.

You'll gain practical strategies to improve capital readiness, hear from expert speakers, connect with leaders from across the state, and leave with ideas you can put into action right away.

Visit capitalreadiness2026.sched.com/ to learn more and register.

Big ideas need the right support.

The Do Business With Purpose Summit is coming up on Aug. 27 in Sartell, and there's still time to register. Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader or business support professional, you'll gain practical insights and build connections that can help move your work forward.

Join the Initiative Foundation and Connect UP Institute for a day focused on strengthening businesses and organizations through business readiness, capital access and sustainable growth.

✔ Learn from experienced practitioners and national experts
✔ Connect with purpose-driven leaders from across Greater Minnesota
✔ Walk away with strategies you can put into action right away

Register today: https://ifound.org/trainings/do-business-with-purpose-summit/

Join us in celebrating the power of American generosity.

Throughout our history, generosity has been a core value that connects communities and strengthens the fabric of our nation. Communities across our region have embraced this spirit by investing in local ideas, strengthening community connections, and supporting nonprofits that help create opportunities.

We’re proud and grateful to work alongside communities in west central Minnesota to inspire generosity and continue building a stronger, more resilient region.

Learn more at GenerosityBuilds.com

Generosity Builds Generosity Builds is a storytelling campaign from the Council on Foundations highlighting the ways charitable foundations show up as a nonpartisan force for good in our communities — from scientific breakthroughs to community childcare, veterans support, and disaster relief.

For Morrie & Ruthie Lanning, public service has always been about helping communities thrive.

As a former mayor, state representative, and founding West Central Initiative board member, Morrie has spent decades supporting rural communities across west central Minnesota. Together, he and his wife, Ruthie, continue that commitment by investing in the future of the region through philanthropy.

Morrie reminds us, “Now more than ever, if you want a better life and future for the next generation, look to the work of your regional community foundation.”

Read more about the Lannings' story and explore our 40-year legacy.

Lannings' Life of Public Service - West Central Initiative Morrie and Ruthie Lanning are living a life of public service. Morrie was one of the founding board members of West Central Initiative.