As a regional community foundation, the Southwest Initiative Foundation is able to identify needs throughout southwest Minnesota and respond to those changing needs.  In Fiscal Year 2007, the Foundation began implementing a five-year strategic plan focused on three key priorities believed to be the most critical and to have the most potential for widespread growth and opportunity for the entire region.  The Foundation’s priorities include: 

Economic Advancement

Increase the wealth, prosperity and vitality of southwest Minnesota by facilitating the development of its economic asset sectors, with a current 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; and assist and invest in entrepreneurs and entreprenuerial ventures.

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.

Philanthropy

Encourage and provide vehicles for people to engage in thoughtful and purposeful charitable giving to enhance the quality of life in southwest Minnesota.

The Foundation also continues to deliver many of its successful programs including the Early Childhood Initiative, community and designated fund programs, opportunities for productive aging through the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Fund, and many others.