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.
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.
$53.9 million
in grants
$59.8 million
in loans
The Ripple Effect of Quality, Affordable Child Care
Quality, affordable child care strengthens
families, boosts the local workforce and supports thriving communities in southwest Minnesota. Personal experience informs Ari Zaske’s commitment to finding quality child care solutions for everyone. When she and her husband, Mark, were expecting their second baby, their child care closed suddenly in 2022. The closure was “so emotional,” with families scrambling to find an alternative. Today, Ari’s family has found child care that’s a great fit for them. She’s also part of the Hutchinson Child Care Coalition, working to provide families options for quality, affordable child care in the community.
Keep Reading The Ripple Effect of Quality, Affordable Child Care
Worthington Area Community Foundation supports Nobles County 4-H Program
October marks National 4-H Week, and to celebrate we’re highlighting a grant from one of our community foundation partners investing in this youth-focused nonprofit. Earlier this year, the Worthington Area Community Foundation (WACF) awarded $1,500 to Nobles County 4-H to purchase additional tablets to use with Edison robots, allowing more youth to engage in hands-on learning and strengthen their coding and problem-solving skills. WACF is one of our 31 community foundation partners.
Keep Reading Worthington Area Community Foundation supports Nobles County 4-H Program
Promise Loan Program funding available
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has funding available for local economic development projects through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Promise Loan Program. The Promise Loan Program makes loans to businesses, nonprofits and developers in communities that have been adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, a loss of population or an aging population, or a lack of regional economic diversification.
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.
