West Central Initiative (WCI) is a regional organization nonprofit foundation that works to strengthen the economy of west central Minnesota so its families, communities and businesses can thrive for years to come. We do this by providing resources in economic development and community development, and by promoting philanthropy

WCI serves the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin.

FUNDING:

• Grants: We work through partnerships to provide the resources to help families and communities in west central Minnesota thrive. In particular, WCI focuses on the areas of: 
  • Community Development
  • Economic Development
• Loans: We provide gap loans for business start-ups and expansions.

PROGRAMS:

• Business Development: Creating jobs and business opportunities, leading to long-term community impact and diversification of the economy
• Community Development: Through Responsive Grants including: Community Change Makers, Community Planning Grant, and Key Partner Grants
• Early Childhood Initiative: Strengthening early care and education for young children and their families to better prepare our children for a healthy life of learning, achieving and succeeding
• Workforce Development: Invests in and supports worker training and increasing skills to make employees more productive and more valuable to their employers.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

• Regional planning, including transportation planning and economic development
• Convening groups such as the Labor Force Development Council, regional EDA planners, Pine to Prairie GIS users group and regional transportation and trails groups.

DONOR SERVICES

• WCI has a wide range of services and funds to help regional communities, families and businesses support worthy causes and make communities a better place to live.