Don’t let your traditions fade away. You can leave a legacy to future generations through a gift to the Land & Waters Preservation Trust.

What Is the Land & Waters Preservation Trust?

The Land & Waters Preservation Trust is an endowment fund of the Initiative Foundation created in partnership with the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association and the Pine River Watershed Alliance that was established in 2012. We have a vision to provide a consistent stream of resources to protect and preserve the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and Pine River Watershed, so that future generations can enjoy the rivers, lakes, and woods experience.

What Is the Endowment Fund?

This endowment fund is an investment in the future of our lakes and watershed. It is a permanent, self-sustaining funds that provides support in perpetuity. The endowment’s principal donations are professionally invested, and only a portion of the annual earnings is used to fund critical projects. The fund allows donors to leave a legacy within our waters.

Why Give to the Land & Waters Preservation Trust?

The Land & Waters Preservation Trust was created by and for our local region and is a forever fund that will preserve your land and waters heritage for future generations.

How do I make a donation?

Make donations using the Land & Waters donation form. Click here.

Make checks to Initiative Foundation-LWT and mail the form and check (if applicable) to:
Initiative Foundation, ATTN: Land and Waters Trust
405 First Street
Little Falls, MN 56345.

The Initiative Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How Are Donations Used?

The endowment will fund restoration projects, public education campaigns, and other special project related to surface water, land restoration, and recreation.

On an annual basis, The Land & Waters Preservation Trust Advisory Committee grants funding to applicants to support projects that preserve or improve the water quality and ecosystem of the Pine River Watershed, which includes the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Grants are made to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, such as WAPOA, PRWA, or local units of government that serve the Pine River Watershed.

Land & Waters accepts and considers funding proposals that fit within the following categories:

• Enhance and protect the surface and aquifer water quality in the Pine River Watershed
• Support sustainable riparian and land management practices
• Protect habitat for native plants and animals

To apply for a grant: THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2025 GRANTS IS NOW OPEN!! The deadline for grant applications is March 1, 2025

Grant Fund Opportunities

 Land & Waters Preservation Trust Endowment will be awarding up TO $15,000 in grants to worthy projects in April 2025. Land & Waters, administered by the Initiative Foundation, is a joint endowment of Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) and the Pine River Watershed Alliance (PRWA).

The Grant Application submission period IS OPEN December 2024 through March 1, 2025.

Project grants will be made for proposals that fit one or more of the following priorities:

• Enhance and protect surface and aquifer water quality in the Pine River Watershed

• Support sustainable riparian land management practices

• Protect habitat for native plants and animals

Applicants can be 501(c)3 lake associations, environmental groups, or local units of government. Projects proposed by the two parent organizations, WAPOA and PRWA, will also be considered. Considering the annual budget amount, grant applications requesting up to $5,000 are encouraged, with larger project amounts considered.

The grant application period is open. Go to the Pine River Watershed Alliance website, click “Resources & Links” to get grant guidelines and application. If there are questions regarding the grant process or application, contact Barb Courneya at bcourneya1@gmail.com.

Land & Waters Preservation Trust was created by Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) and the Pine River Watershed Alliance (PRWA) and is a Turn-Key Fund of the Initiative Foundation. Land & Waters Preservation Trust is a grant making endowment fund directed to preserving and protecting the water quality in the Pine River Watershed. More information is available from WAPOA, PRWA, or the Initiative Foundation.

In 2024 six grants were awarded to the following applicants:

Grantee/Project/Amount Granted                                                                                                  

1. Camp Knutson: Plant additional native plants and shrubs on point between Lower Whitefish and Big Trout; $3,171

2. WAPOA:  Dave Tiegen property on Lower Hay; Shoreland Buffer; $2,154

      3. WAPOA: Theresa Lydon property on Island Lake; Shoreland Buffer; $2488           

4. CWC SWCD: Todd & Allison Pihl property on Lower Whitefish; Shoreland Buffer; $2612    

  5. CWC SWCD: Patricia Sullivan property on Ruth Lake; Shoreland Buffer and Raingarden; $2333 

    6. CWC SWCD: Ronald Ommen property on Ossawinnamakee; Shoreland Buffer; $2248    

      Total Amount Granted: $15,006             

Due to the generous support of several donors, Land and Waters can continue to support projects like these which will help fulfill the endowment original vision. To donate to the Land and Waters Preservation Trust make checks to “Initiative Foundation-LWT” and mail to WAPOA, PO Box 342, Crosslake, MN 56442.