Grow Our Own: Prosperity for our kids and the communities they call home
In southwest Minnesota, more than one in six children live in poverty. Not all of these kids—no matter how hard they try—will be able to reach their full potential without help.
Kids from low-income families have less access to everything from quality early childhood education to Advanced Placement courses in high school to sport and enrichment activities that provide mentoring, teambuilding and other life-long skills they need to be good citizens and good employees.
These kids are our future employees, entrepreneurs, community leaders, volunteers, homeowners and taxpayers. We believe that our region’s economy depends on their success. We need to break the cycle of poverty to help our kids have the chance to succeed.
In the first year of our strategic initiative to “Grow Our Own,” Southwest Initiative Foundation has fully embraced our role as a community foundation through bold leadership and a regional perspective as we focus on closing the opportunity gap, increasing the economic and social well-being of our region. In fiscal year 2017 …
- Southwest Initiative Foundation received $2.7 million in gifts to all our funds from the people, businesses and organizations that care about southwest Minnesota and make our work possible.
- We awarded 497 grants totaling $1.3 million. to help nonprofits and communities in our region.
- Our family of 26 community affiliates and 105 funds supported critical local needs and projects.
The support of donors and friends makes our region an even better place to live, learn and earn. Thank you!
Looking Forward, Giving Back
Learn about the impact of giving and grantmaking in our southwest Minnesota region by reviewing our latest edition of Looking Forward, Giving Back.
This book includes stories from our donors:
- Marie Hinsvark’s Legacy Helps Grow Our Own
- Gary and Janine Papik Turn Ideas Into Action
- Rob and Renae Saunders Support What Makes It Home
