Aspen CSG partners with Rural Development Hubs across the country to strengthen local leadership, align funding, and build regional capacity. Through research and peer learning, we support Hub leaders to refine strategies and apply what works across regions.
In Minnesota, we work with Hub partners that coordinate across sectors, align resources, and connect communities to advance long-term regional strategies.
Blandin Foundation
Service area: Minnesota.
Rural Development Hub Funder
Blandin Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Its mission is to connect, fund, and advocate for ideas and people to inspire resourcefulness and move rural places forward. Their vision is for rural Minnesota places that welcome diversity, address injustice, and embrace change to create a sustainable and equitable future.
Visit organization: blandinfoundation.org
Center for Rural Affairs
Service area: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
The Center for Rural Affairs is a nonprofit, mission-driven lender focusing on underserved communities, primarily rural, Latino, Native, and other communities that mainstream finance doesn’t traditionally reach. They are a Community Development Financial Institution established in 1973.
Visit organization: cfra.org
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
Service area: Minnesota.
The Greater Minnesota Housing Fund supports the creation of strong communities and affordable homes through making strategic investments and forming effective partnerships.
Visit organization: gmhf.com
Initiative Foundation
Service area: Minnesota.
The Initiative Foundation’s mission has been to serve the people of Central Minnesota since its inception in 1986. Its goal is to inspire hope and to create opportunity through its mission: To empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.
Visit organization: ifound.org
Featured in Aspen CSG resources: Aspen CSG in Action.
Northland Foundation
Service area: Minnesota.
The Northland Foundation is a place-based philanthropic organization serving rural communities and Native nations in northeast Minnesota. It strengthens the region through grants to nonprofits, loans and support for small businesses, and programs focused on early childhood, youth, and intergenerational engagement. By fostering collaboration and investing in local capacity, Northland works to build equity, opportunity, and resilience across its seven-county service area. Since its founding in 1986, it has awarded millions in grants and business investments to help communities thrive.
Visit organization: northlandfdn.org
Featured in Aspen CSG resources: Shifting Funding to Meet Community Needs, Welcome All to the Community.
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Service area: Minnesota.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation strives to support its community by connecting people to resources. From grants, loans, and scholarships to business consulting and local giving, they’re around to guide and support donors and recipients alike.
Visit organization: nwmf.org
Region Five Development Commission
Service area: Minnesota.
The Region Five Development Commission is committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Region Five through resilient, inclusive, and collaborative approaches to regional community development, economic development, and transportation initiatives.
Visit organization: regionfive.org
Featured in Aspen CSG resources: Rural Partnership Program: Addressing Capacity Needs in Rural America, Rural Development Hubs: Strengthening America’s Rural Innovation Infrastructure, Measure Up: Call to Action, and more.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Service area: Minnesota.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota. This includes 175 communities and one Native nation. SMIF’s key interests include entrepreneurship, early childhood development and community vitality. SMIF has invested over $170 million in the region since 1986.
Visit organization: smifoundation.org
Southwest Initiative Foundation
Service area: Minnesota.
Southwest Initiative Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation supported by individuals, families, businesses and organizations who care about southwest Minnesota. They’re a trusted partner and a regional leader in making southwest Minnesota stronger through giving, economic development and community impact.
Visit organization: swifoundation.org
Featured in Aspen CSG resources: Funding Rural Futures: A Call to Action.
West Central Initiative
Service area: Minnesota.
The West Central Initiative (WCI) is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening west central Minnesota through funding, programs, and technical assistance. Guided by core values, WCI emphasizes neighborliness, fostering collaboration, openness, and generosity among individuals, organizations, and communities.
Visit organization: wcif.org
