At the Southwest Initiative Foundation, giving is core to who we are and what we do. Our mission is to be a catalyst, facilitating opportunities for economic and social growth by developing and challenging leaders to build on our region's assets. One of the ways we challenge leaders (and keep in mind that anyone can be a leader) is by providing tools and resources to help people accomplish their charitable goals.

From community foundation funds, which allow local leaders to build an endowment that meets current and future needs, to donor-advised funds that help families practice thoughtful and purposeful giving that aligns with their values, the Southwest Initiative Foundation is your vehicle for philanthropy. Continue reading to hear why one donor chose to make a gift to the Foundation in 2007.

Loving his Community, Leaving his Legacy

“I love Lake Benton.”  That’s the answer Glenn Krog from Lake Benton gave when asked why he included the newly-formed Lake Benton Area Foundation in his estate plan. Glenn has been a long-time believer of community foundations as a perpetual way to promote growth and enhance local opportunities.  He closely followed stories about small, rural communities in Minnesota and South Dakota forming community foundations that had a significant impact on the community.  In fact, Glenn believes he was ahead of the game because he had already named Lake Benton in his will…before the Lake Benton Area Foundation was even formed!

Then, in the fall of 2006, Lake Benton leaders started working with the Southwest Initiative Foundation to establish a community foundation, and Glenn stepped in to serve as a member of the advisory committee developed to move the Lake Benton Area Foundation forward.  Now, with a permanent board of directors in place, Glenn continues to serve and promote giving through the Foundation, and the community has the vehicle in place to carry out the plan he had already devised. He speaks openly about his own gift to encourage others to consider doing the same.  Glenn has farmed his entire life.  Thanks to the help of Dale Lichtsinn, his hired help and friend, Glenn continues to farm today at the age of 72, and is very grateful. 

His passion for Lake Benton, combined with a love of the land and those who have helped him become successful, prompted a bold and inspiring decision.  Rather than pass his 320-acre parcel of farmland to relatives no longer farming or living in the area, Glenn chose to support his local community with the asset that has been his livelihood.  Instead of giving the property outright to the Lake Benton Area Foundation, Glenn made a special provision in his will that allows Dale to continue using the land after Glenn’s passing.  When Dale is no longer living, the land will be sold and the cash value deposited into the Lake Benton Area Foundation’s endowment fund.

Because of SWIF’s sound investment practices, that endowment will grow to become a permanent resource for the community.  Local advisors will access earnings from the fund each year to reinvest in the Lake Benton area.  Glenn’s unrestricted gift will produce income that may be used to fund community beautification efforts, enhance senior programs, provide support for lake improvement efforts, promote economic development efforts - the list goes on. 

With an unrestricted endowment, community needs not even anticipated today can be met tomorrow and long into the future, all because of Glenn’s love and vision for the Lake Benton area.

“I love Lake Benton.” 

It’s a simple, powerful statement when considering the end result of Glenn’s deep passion for his community.  His gift, though not made today, will be his legacy to the community of Lake Benton.

To learn more about how your charitable dollars can make a difference in southwest Minnesota, contact Marc Vaillancourt, development director, at marcv@swifoundation.org; Liz Maiers, development officer, at lizm@swifoundation.org; or call 1-800-594-9480.