Program areas at WCI
Community and foundation grantmaking: as a community foundation, one of our roles is to establish and manage dedicated permanent funds that address specific charitable purposes. We call these funds "component funds" because they're part of our mission and asset valuation. In fy23, we addded 14 new component funds to our portfolio. Driven by our strategic priorities and connected to the sustainable development goals, grants are just one of many resources we offer to support our region's families, communities, organizations, and businesses. Weawarded just over $3 million in grants during the current year.
Planning and economic development: through our planning, lending, and technical assistance work, we partner with regional leaders to create vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming communities for all. As the federally designated planning organization for the region through the u.s. economic development administration, every five years we create a comprehensive economic development strategy for the region iv economic development district of Minnesota. The document outlines the needs, goals, strategies, and implementation process for the region's economic development work. We distributed $1.5 million in loans in fy23. Through a contract with the Minnesota department of transportation, we administer a transportation planning program for West Central Minnesota. This partnershp allows for coordinated, long-range regional transportation planning. New safe routes to school plans were created during the year that benefited more than 850 students.
Programs and outreach: our early childhood Initiative is a network of parents, educators, businesses, community leaders, faith leaders and policymakers joined in a long-term effort to prioritize the care and development of young children. Two important facets of our early childhood Initiative include our early childhood dental network and early childhood mental health network. Programs take a collaborative approach to help ensure our children get the care they need and deserve. We envision a future where our planet is respected, sustained, and recognized as paramount to our existence. The climate action plan for West Central Minnesota was completed in the spring of 2023. In september 2022, we sponsored 14 welcoming week events in our region to welcome and celebrate newcomers of all backgrounds. Our live wide open regional recruitment campaign showcases what West Central Minnesota has to offer, including opportunities for rewarding careers and the natural amenities that draw so many to this region. In fy23, we lauched growing grant county, a collaborative partnership that combines education, meat and vegetable processing, food production, and philanthropy to bolster the availabiltiy of local food to communities. We also aim to strengthen rural democracy by helping residents meet these demands through the rural democracy project. We began offering training to individuals who are considering running for office, engaging historically excluded groups in civic processes, and supporting local leaders.