Nearly 20 years after leaving Granite Falls, Bradley (Brad) Hall decided to return to his hometown to pursue his dreams of becoming a full-time artist. Brad is this year’s featured artist for the foundation’s holiday card. Brad’s inspiration for much his art, including “Snowy Trail,” comes from right outside his home.
Archives for November 2024
Appleton Community Foundation grant puts students in holiday spirit
Reindeer sing, flashlights glow and kazoos hum through the halls in Appleton and Madison as students prepare for their holiday program. The performance shines a spotlight on just how wild things can get at the North Pole this time of year! Thanks to a grant from the Appleton Community Foundation and donations from local families, teachers were able to purchase supplies to make the show really sparkle.
Mountain Lake Area Foundation grants help put food on the table
Mountain Lake Area Foundation (MLAF) has granted $25,000 over the last 10 years to help sustain the local Loaves & Fishes food shelf. In addition to supporting the local food shelf, MLAF has granted to many other projects in the community. Their core fundraiser is an annual dinner, a well-attended affair the community looks forward to each year.
Apply for the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is now accepting applications for the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant to Support Community Revitalization, Connectedness and Equity by Promoting Education, Work and Health. The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $10 billion to the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) to provide payments to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal Governments to carry out critical capital projects directly enabling work, education, and healthcare monitoring in response to the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic public health emergency.
Back to My Roots
Back to My Roots hair salon had its grand opening this weekend at 337 Main Street North in Renville. Entrepreneur Kirsten Bjorklund opened the business with help from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. A licensed cosmetologist, she offers haircuts, colors, manicures, pedicures, massages and waxing. As her business name suggests, it’s a homecoming of sorts for Bjorklund. Growing up on a farm south of Sacred Heart, she attended and graduated from Renville County West High School, then went on to the cosmetology program at Ridgewater College.
Jackie Turner retires after 21 years supporting entrepreneurs
Jackie Turner is retiring from her role as an economic development officer at Southwest Initiative Foundation. Jackie has been a remarkable champion for entrepreneurs, and our region is better because of her commitment and expertise. During her tenure, our microloan program earned national, regional and state recognition. Jackie mentored more than 300 loan clients at the foundation, offering each one a relationship that extended well beyond a balance sheet or a business plan.
