As the Southwest Minnesota Foundation continues to grow through its endowment, programs, and work with community, business, and non-profit leaders, we recognize the importance of providing this annual report.  It’s an opportunity to share our accomplishments, for which we can only thank all of our donors, partners, friends, and colleagues. 

We are excited about the ways the Foundation is challenging itself to take risks for the region by identifying new opportunities that will help the region build on its greatest asset – the people.  It’s been another year of growth, marked by the following achievements:

• Over 400 people in attendance at our annual banquet
• Creation of the Renewable Energy Marketplace™ to promote renewable energy commerce as an economic asset in southwest Minnesota
• A successful Growing Home Circle campaign to raise funds for the Foundation’s general endowment
• Receiving a $1.5 million gift to the Foundation’s general endowment through a bequest from Walter and Arthur Anderson of rural Russel, MN
• Finalizing plans for the Foundation’s new office building, which will be located at the “gateway to southwest Minnesota” on the corner of highways 7 and 15 in Hutchinson
• Continued partnerships with six community coalitions to provide quality care and educational opportunities to our youngest children through our Early Childhood Initiative

As we enter our 20th year of work in southwest Minnesota, we are excited about the potential for this region, and we look forward to "harnessing the power of people" by working with people like you!