LITTLE FALLS, MNโThe Initiative Foundation, as part of a growing coalition of local and state foundations, announced today several rapid-response grants to support the Somali community in St. Cloud and Central Minnesota following reports of escalating harassment and threats, including intimidation of nonprofit organizations and community leaders.
Four grants have been made to organizations led by and supporting Somali, New American and immigrant communities to respond to immediate safety concerns, protect staff and community members, and continue serving families without interruption. The initial $30,000 is part of more than $75,000 to be distributed to established and trusted local grantees. Additional grantmaking will take place in 2026 as the coalition takes shape.
Over the past several weeks in St. Cloud, nonprofit organizations and Somali community members have reported escalating harassment and threats, including intimidation at workplaces and in public spaces, hateful rhetoric online and personal threats against community leaders. These incidents have disrupted daily life for many families and organizations and have raised urgent safety concerns.
Local coalition partners include the Morgan Family Foundation and United Way of Central Minnesota. Statewide partners include the McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation and the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Together, these organizations condemn violence, harassment and threats toward any community member, and reaffirm our shared commitment to a region and state where everyone belongs and can thrive.
These rapid-response grants prioritize efforts that help restore safety, stability and trust within affected communities. This includes support for physical safety measures and community-based safety planning; training and resources that strengthen crisis response, de-escalation and trauma-informed care; access to accurate, culturally responsive legal information; and short-term assistance that helps individuals and families meet basic needs such as food, housing stability, transportation and healthcare. Together, these investments are intended to strengthen community capacity, reduce fear and disruption, and support the well-being and resilience of individuals and families.
โWe believe in healthy communities where people work and live respectfully alongside each other, come together across differences, and ensure everyone has the same freedoms and dignity,โ said Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation president. โWhen any community in Central Minnesota is targeted and threatened, we believe it is our responsibility to support them.โ
Immigrant communities and new Americans have been part of the regionโs and stateโs cultural fabric for generations. They are business owners, teachers, healthcare professionals, workers, volunteers, parents, friends, and neighbors who share the same hopes for fundamental rights and freedoms, safe communities, good jobs and strong futures for their children.
Source@ย Initiative Foundation
