Sherry Ristau            Becky Parker

     President               Board Chairperson

As the Southwest Minnesota Foundation's president and Board of Trustees chairperson, we are often asked what the Foundation is all about and why we do what we do.  With all of the Foundation's varied programs and initiatives, it might be tempting to launch into a long and complex explanation.  Instead, we've found that five simple words say it best — it's all about the people. 

That's why the Southwest Minnesota Foundation has been in existence for the past 17 years and why we've invested over $35 million in grants and loans — to create opportunities for the people and communities of southwest Minnesota.

We've come to recognize that change is the only constant and FY2003 has been no different.  During tight economic times, the Foundation has been challenged to be especially creative in everything it does.  That's why we decided this was the ideal year to try something new with our annual report.  We hope that our online annual report will help you experience the work of the Southwest Minnesota Foundation.  Remember, it's all about the people and that means it's all about YOU!

Enjoy our 2003 Annual Report!