Thank you for walking alongside us in creating places where everyone in Southwest Minnesota feels at home. We wish you wonder, warmth, and connection this holiday season and in the year ahead. Southwest Minnesota photographer Gene Stukel of Granite Falls captured this beautiful display of Northern Lights near Wood Lake.
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:
- Wednesday, December 24
- Thursday, December 25
- Thursday, January 1
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, contact Tiffany Barnard, Development Officer, at (320) 583-0094 or [email protected], or Jeff Vetsch, Community Gift Officer, at (320) 583-6342 or [email protected].
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 2025 charitable tax deduction, mailed gifts must be postmarked by Dec. 31, and online gifts must be submitted before midnight on Dec. 31.
Please note: A change in post office processes may delay postmarks on mail dropped off late in the day, which can affect year-end gift deadlines and tax documentation. To ensure your donation is credited in the intended year, request a manual postmark at the postal counter when mailing close to the calendar year-end deadline. Automated processing could date your mail later than expected, so manual postmarks or certified mailing provide reliable proof of mailing.
View the 2025 Year-End Giving Guide for key dates and deadlines for making a non-cash gift. Please plan ahead accordingly to ensure your goals are possible.
If you are seeking time-sensitive information or support for the Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization Program, or if you are a current loan client and have an urgent request, please contact Scott Marquardt at 320-583-4629.
About the photographer
Photographer Gene Stukel of Granite Falls has been exhibiting in the Meander Art Crawl for 16 years. He’s curated a stunning portfolio of wildlife and landscape images with his keen eye for natural beauty. Our holiday card this year features a beautiful display of Northern Lights, which Gene captured near Wood Lake on a clear night. He believes that it is important to document the landscape as a reminder of what people need to consciously protect for future generations. Read more about Gene.
