Our Work Impacts

Many Facets of a Community

When we educate, we give people and organizations the tools they need to serve the region. When we activate, we encourage them to embrace their potential and maximize their impact. When we celebrate, we foster a sense of joyful community in which successes are lauded and honored. These three ideas work together to help our communities thrive.

We’re committed to unleashing the full, dynamic potential of west central Minnesota, in large part by investing in its economic development. We use our loan program and resources to help families, communities, and businesses in our region thrive. More About Loan Applications
Our Community Planners work throughout west central Minnesota to meet shared regional and local goals of creating vibrant and welcoming communities for all. More About Community Planning
Children are our future. We want them have the best possible start toward a healthy life of learning, achieving, and succeeding. Community organization is key. More About the Early Childhood Initiative
After 35 years serving west central Minnesota, strengthening our region through philanthropy and planning remains our reason for being. With your help, we can make sure our neighbors across the region enjoy great quality of life, meaningful work, and access to essential services.  More about Regional Giving
West Central Initiative administers the transportation planning program for west central Minnesota. This partnership allows for coordinated, long-range, regional transportation planning. More about Transportation Planning
We believe that a healthy, sustainable planet is one where all people belong and can live together in peace and prosperity. To that end, we align and activate our work around climate change. More about Climate Action
We envision a future where all people feel welcome, appreciated for their unique attributes, and connected to their neighbors, communities, and natural environments More about Rural Belonging
Through our Rural Democracy Project, we’re working to increase civic participation—vital to an equitable and sustainable future. More about Rural Democracy

Global · Regional · Local

Our strategic plan has many moving parts. Each part helps us move toward one destination: a thriving, inclusive, and prosperous region.

Global Sustainable Development Goals
Regional Community and Economic Development Cornerstones
Our Strategic Priorities
UN Sustainable Development Goals wheel
DevelopMN Cornerstones wheel
WCIs Strategic Priorities

Our Impact

$78M

in grants

$59M

in loans

9,000

jobs created or retained

$299M

loan dollars leveraged

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Embrace the spirit of community with our newest video highlighting the Rural Belonging program!

In a rapidly changing landscape, welcoming newcomers and celebrating diversity are essential pillars of growth and resilience.From supporting organizations like Conexiones to fostering a sense of belonging for all, we’re committed to building a future where every individual thrives.Join us as we unite neighbors and support communities where everyone feels valued and connected. See MoreSee Less

Have you ever considered running for school board, city council, township supervisor, or another local elected position, but don’t know where to begin?

Join our spring Run4Rural cohort to learn the practical skills to build a local campaign that is authentic, community-focused, and can win. “The entire training was inspirational and really made the idea of running for office seem more attainable. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting people who see the big picture impact they can make,” said 2023 Run4Rural participant Katie Grindall (pictured). Run4Rural is our 1 ½ day nonpartisan public leadership training program. Upcoming training dates include: 📍Moorhead Training: May 3 & 4 at the Hjemkomst Center📍Fergus Falls Training: May 17 & 18 at West Central Initiative Learn more about Run4Rural and apply to attend a training session on our website.wcif.org/rural-democracy/ See MoreSee Less

Have you ever considered running for school board, city council, township supervisor, or another local elected position, but don’t know where to begin?  

Join our spring Run4Rural cohort to learn the practical skills to build a local campaign that is authentic, community-focused, and can win.  
 
“The entire training was inspirational and really made the idea of running for office seem more attainable. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting people who see the big picture impact they can make,” said 2023 Run4Rural participant Katie Grindall (pictured). 
 
Run4Rural is our 1 ½ day nonpartisan public leadership training program. Upcoming training dates include: 

📍Moorhead Training: May 3 & 4 at the Hjemkomst Center

📍Fergus Falls Training: May 17 & 18 at West Central Initiative 

Learn more about Run4Rural and apply to attend a training session on our website.

https://wcif.org/rural-democracy/Image attachment