New new innovations launching amidst local momentum

Creating Community Consulting (CCC) is proud to announce a series of transformative developments that reflect its continued growth, deepened community impact, and commitment to innovation across Minnesota and beyond. From expanded staffing to statewide partnerships and the launch of AI-powered grant support, CCC is living its mission: to create stronger communities.

“Our mission is simple but powerful: we come alongside organizations and communities to build capacity for change, provide training, engage with people to co-develop solutions that work, and leverage funding to implement them,” said CCC Co-Owner Karen Pifher.

CCC is proud to share that they are working in over 20 counties in Minnesota and into North Dakota (highlighted on the map). With a staff of 12 located in Frazee, Moorhead, and now southern Minnesota, CCC has become a powerhouse for rural innovation and community development.

Of the communities, 60 percent of the current work is with County Public Health and Social Services organizations, 20 percent with economic development agencies, and 20 percent with private nonprofit organizations. Additionally, in 2024 CCC worked with the eight Community Schools in North Dakota to build capacity of school coordinators, and led community engagement efforts to support Northern Cass School District in developing its new wellness center in their Community School model. This diversity in services and skills allows the team to tackle systemic challenges with holistic, cross-sector solutions that center community voice and long-term impact.

“In order to build momentum and turn things around, it takes investment,” said Karen.

“Sometimes that comes with sacrifices for the long term good… For every dollar the Economic Development Authority of Frazee has invested in CCC to lead economic development, we’ve matched it. That’s what it takes—intentional teamwork, long-term vision, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves.”

While sometimes the public wonders what CCC is or isn’t contracted to do, the reality is that CCC often steps in even when there’s no formal agreement—simply because the work needs to be done by someone and the people in the community deserve it.

“You have to give a lot starting out as a new business in the service industry to show people you have what it takes. And I believe our community is worth investing in. Why would anyone else invest if we don’t?” said Pifher. “We want our future generations to be healthy, active, and to have strong relationships and opportunities coming to life.  We have the opportunity to step up to help make that happen.”

New faces, new momentum

While Pifher and Megan Jenson continue to support government contracted services, CCC welcomes several new team members who are helping shaping the future of community-led work: 

Pam Bishop, based in Albert Lea, brings decades of experience in economic development and nonprofit leadership. She recently began serving as Interim Executive Director for Ignite MN through a new CCC partnership.

Laura Hanson, the Director of Marketing and Innovation, is leading all of the CCC’s technology build out for the AI Grant Accelerator, available on our website, as well as directing marketing for the organization. She is part of the team located in Frazee.

Rachael Johnson is serving as a representative on the Becker County EDA, supporting the Frazee EDA, the development of a Family Resource Center Model at CornerStone, and supporting work in Mahnomen and Hubbard Counties.

Shelly Blauert serves as Retail Manager for Creating Community Junction and is also contributing her skills as a CCC grant writer.

Jamie Crabtree, Office Manager in Frazee, keeps the CCC team grounded and organized, ensuring the day-to-day operations run smoothly while supporting nearly every part of CCC’s mission-driven work.

Karen Downing and Heather Ware Nelson are behind-the-scenes powerhouses, supporting communications, TV3, the Frazee Forward newsletter, community surveys, and connecting community members to resources.

Innovation in grant writing: AI grant accelerator

On March 21, CCC also officially launched its groundbreaking AI Grant Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind tool that helps organizations take their ideas from inspiration to implementation. Created by CCC’s innovation team—Pifher, Jenson and new Director of Marketing and Innovation, Laura Hanson—the Accelerator removes common grant writing obstacles through smart automation, training, and expert coaching.

“With our AI Grant Accelerator grant writing will be more accessible for small communities and nonprofits, community changemakers, and coalitions. We know many folks have the energy and passion and just need the tools and support to help them secure funding to make their ideas a reality. With our AI Grant Accelerator your get just that: tools which we are adding to each week, training, and support through bi-monthly lunch and learns,” said co-owner Megan Jenson.  

“It takes a lot of energy to write grants well,” said Pifher. “Our tools relieve grant writers of the busy work, ensure technical accuracy every time, and saves organizations tens of thousands of dollars — all while improving outcomes.”

The AI Grant Accelerator is hosted on CCC’s Center for Creating Community, an online hub for training, support, and community connection. Interested individuals and organizations can visit CCC’s new website to explore offerings and download a free copy of “111+ Places to Find Grants.” Founding members get access to AI tools coming soon including a “Grant Finder” and more! Find it at: www.creatingcommunityconsulting.com

Partnership Highlight: IgniteMN

In Red Wing, CCC is proud to partner with IgniteMN, a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Pam Bishop (newest hire at Creating Community Consulting) has been appointed Interim Executive Director through this partnership, helping guide the organization through a leadership transition.

“Her insight into our region, coupled with her proven leadership, positions us for a strong and thoughtful transition,” said Beth Benike, Co-Chair of the IgniteMN Board. 

Creating Community Consulting is a Minnesota-based firm committed to helping rural communities thrive. From strategic planning to project implementation to leadership transitions, CCC empowers communities to take bold steps toward a stronger future. With services now active in 19+ counties and more than $5.5 million in grants secured, CCC is proving that community innovation is not just possible — it’s already happening.