Happy holidays! We are grateful for our partners, supporters and community members today and throughout the year. Together, we’re building a stronger southwest Minnesota where all kids, families, businesses and communities can soar. Southwest Minnesota artist Patti Karsky of Clinton created this beautiful watercolor portrait of a feathered friend perched in red winter dogwood branches.
As we get ready to turn the calendar to January, we have a few important notes to share. Our building will be closed the following days:
- December 26
- January 2
For the fastest response, it’s best to contact individual staff members directly during this time of year. Email and phone numbers for all our staff are available online.
If you have an urgent year-end matter related to a gift, email [email protected] or call our main number (320) 587-4848 to be connected with our philanthropy team.
Tax-deductible gifts can be made online to support our mission, a community foundation partner or another fund. Make your gift online now. To qualify for a 2022 charitable tax deduction, mailed gifts must be postmarked by Dec. 31, and online gifts must be submitted before midnight on Dec. 31.
Gifts via a Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA must have the check clear prior to December 31 of the year of the gift. Please plan ahead accordingly to ensure your goals are possible.
If you are seeking information or support for the Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization Program, child care projects or one of our loan programs, please contact Scott Marquardt at 320-583-4629.
About the artist
Patti Karsky pursues art in addition to a full-time job at Ortonville Area Health Services, working in the fields on the family farm near Clinton and being a mother and wife. Encouraged by her grandmothers to be creative, she fondly remembers receiving craft kits for gifts as a child. From there, curiosity has led her to try different mediums. This year was Patti’s second as part of the award-winning Meander Art Crawl, a free self-guided tour of artist studios featuring 40 local artists from the Upper Minnesota River Valley. In addition to watercolor paintings, her Meander exhibit included her one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Southwest Initiative Foundation is a sponsor of the Meander, which highlights our vibrant region and the talented people of southwest Minnesota.
