Twenty years is a significant period of time in the life of any organization, community, or region, and naturally, many things change and evolve.  Southwest Minnesota has been no exception, as the opportunities and challenges facing the region have changed significantly over the past 20 years.  The Southwest Initiative Foundation has redefined its priorities and goals periodically during its 20-year history to meet the changing needs of the region.  In Fiscal Year 2006, the Southwest Initiative Foundation had five priorities that guided its work.  They included: 

• Promoting economic advancement.
• Promoting productive aging.
• Promoting inclusive communities.
• Promoting philanthropy.
• Connecting youth and communities.

Based on a regional survey, demographic research, trend studies, and needs analysis, the Foundation recently completed a new five-year strategic plan that will refine the five priorities into three that will provide focus for its work from FY2007 through FY2011.  They include:

• Asset-based economic advancement - Increase the wealth, prosperity and vitality of southwest Minnesota by facilitating the development of its economic asset sectors, with an initial focus on renewable energy.
• Leadership and community development - Help leaders improve their communities through the Connected Communities Initiative, which focuses on leadership and capacity building for individuals, communities, and the region.
• Regional capacity - Build the region's capacity for social and economic success by improving cooperation and collaboration, mobilizing initiatives, eliminating inefficiencies and redundancies, and solidifying a regional identity and voice for southwest Minnesota.

In addition, the Foundation will continue to deliver many of its successful programs, such as the Early Childhood Initiative, community and component fund programs, opportunities for productive aging through the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Fund, and much more.