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Southwest Initiative Foundation

we do good work to help great people succeed.

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Together we thrive in southwest Minnesota

For nearly 40 years, we’ve been listening to what matters most to southwest Minnesota. Through giving, economic development and community impact, we’re becoming a region where all people thrive.

GIVING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY IMPACT

We are a community of people who are passionate about making a difference in southwest Minnesota.

We are driven to innovate and find new ways to solve problems. We are generous with our time, our resources and our knowledge. And we are committed to building a vibrant region where everyone feels like they belong.

JOIN US – MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!

IMPACT

Investing in Our Region Since 1986

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$50 million

in grants

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$56 million

in loans

READ ABOUT OUR IMPACT

WHAT’S NEW

Stories From Southwest Minnesota

A group of volunteers wearing purple Lions Club T-shirts serves food at a community block party.

Grants: Fostering social connection in later life

Southwest Initiative Foundation has created a grant program to support projects that provide southwest Minnesota-serving organizations with funding to reduce and prevent social isolation and loneliness among older adults in our region. Apply today for a Fostering Social Connection in Later Life grant from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund.

Keep Reading Grants: Fostering social connection in later life

group of young teens and children smiling

Southwest Minnesota celebrates 2023 Welcoming Week

Internationally, Welcoming Week takes place September 8-17 this year. Communities in southwest Minnesota are hosting activities throughout the month of September to lift up and celebrate welcoming, inclusive communities.

Keep Reading Southwest Minnesota celebrates 2023 Welcoming Week

A group of women stand shoulder-to-shoulder for a photo with the Dakota Wicohan building sign above them, Teresa holding a grant check.

Teresa Peterson retires from our board

Teresa Peterson, Utuhu Cistinna Win, is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following more than six years of service. Peterson has provided regional leadership on SWIF’s board since April 2017. In honor of her service, Peterson is directing a $650 grant from SWIF to Dakota Wicohan, a Native-led nonprofit based in Morton, Minn.

Keep Reading Teresa Peterson retires from our board

VALUES

Guided by Our Values

Our work can look different from one program, partnership or place to another. Our values guide our work and ensure we bring the same care and commitment everywhere we show up.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VALUES

Help build a region where all people can thrive.

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15 3rd Avenue NW | Hutchinson, MN 55350 | (320) 587-4848| Email Us

Southwest Initiative Foundation is located on the original and contemporary homelands of the Dakota people in Minnesota.

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