Southwest Initiative Foundation

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2026 Aging Trust Fund grants

Funding supports social connection for older adults

Three people stand at an ice cream shop counter, looking at the options while a staff member behind the glass display waits to take their order. Colorful decorations hang from the ceiling.
Adult Community Center participants visit La Michoacana Elite in Marshall thanks to a grant-funded outing.

We have awarded 17 grants through our Fostering Social Connection in Later Life program in 2026. These are funded by the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund and support organizations serving older adults across Southwest Minnesota.

The goal of this grant program is to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Funding helps local organizations create opportunities for people to build meaningful connections, feel supported, and stay engaged in their communities as they age.

Fostering Social Connection in Later Life grants support both coordination and direct programs that strengthen social ties. This may include volunteer opportunities, caregiver support, group activities, online or in-person programs, and efforts that help older adults find purpose, connection, and belonging.

2026 Fostering Social Connection in Later Life Grants

  • A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota to support PEARLS and Memory Café programs in Tyler, Hendricks, Worthington and Redwood Falls
  • Atwater Area Living at Home Block Nurse Program to provide medical appointment transportation, grocery shopping, weekly social visits and Meals on Wheels delivery
  • City of Marietta to help pay for supplies, guest speakers, technology and other equipment at part of the “Seasoned Citizens Enhancement Project”
  • City of Marshall to expand and enhance programming at the Adult Community Center
  • City of Willmar to purchase materials and supplies for programs offered to older adults through the Willmar Community Center
  • Glencoe Regional Health Foundation to support connections between residents of the skilled nursing facility and younger community members, using art and technology
  • Granite Falls Living at Home/Block Nursing Program to bring local healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations in Granite Falls together to find practical ways to help older adults build connections and reduce isolation
  • Hutchinson Center for the Arts Lifetime Arts to support arts opportunities for senior residents
  • Johnson Memorial Foundation to pay for speaker fees, meals, and transportation for a series of health education “lunch and learn” events
  • Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota to organize monthly “lunch and learn” events with Litchfield LSS Meals
  • Marshall Area YMCA to support senior programming, including health related topic presentations, socialization and exercise; and the Reading Buddy bags, books, and refreshments
  • Murray County Medical Center Foundation to install outdoor fitness equipment in Slayton and Lake Wilson
  • Parents Inspired to support “Inspired Rides,” transportation for people age 50+ and those with disabilities
  • Peace United Methodist Church to provide supplies for quilts and blankets for families in need, made by the Peace Quilters
  • Rock Ranch to support the SeniorSaddles program, which provides opportunities for people age 55+ to participate in equine related activities
  • The Madison Art and Innovation Center to pay senior project coordinator, outreach, advertising and marketing, cost of programs, supplies, communications and transportation
  • Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church to provide a gathering space and programming for senior residents

Grant sparks small moments that matter

Katie Brusven is coordinator at Marshall’s Adult Community Center, and she has seen the Fostering Social Connection in Later Life Grant open up possibilities for participants.

Funding helped bring local 7th and 8th grade students to the Adult Community Center. Working in small groups with adults, they had fun planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables. They also cut up vegetables and made a dip with some of the same types of herbs they had just planted. The visit finished with enjoying veggies and dips they helped prepare while working on gardening activity sheets and chatting together with the adults.

Four elderly women, all wearing red tops, are gathered around a table playing a game with a tall plastic tower containing green and blue balls and yellow sticks.
A group of seniors sit at tables in a community room eating lunch while a woman at the front gives a presentation projected on a large screen.
A group of people of various ages gather around a table in a community room, working together on a gardening project with soil, seeds, and small pots. Plates and craft supplies are also on the table.

Another grant-funded activity involved getting out into the community. Knowing that it can be hard to try something new on your own, Katie and her team lined up a private tour of La Michoacana Elite, a new Marshall business. La Michoacana serves Mexican treats like paletas, ice cream, raspados, plus snacks and more. The store owner, Vanessa, shared with the group how she got started along with what her shop offers.

“We were able to enjoy samples of the ice cream and the food. Many didn’t know they provided food options along with the vast menu of drinks and desserts. This opportunity gave them time to try new things without feeling intimidated,” Katie said.

The Fostering Social Connection in Later Life Grant has also helped support monthly social gatherings and other outings in Marshall.

This grant has allowed us to offer more experiences that bring people together in meaningful way: outings that spark adventure, intergenerational events and multicultural tastings that open doors to new conversations, and social and wellness activities that help build friendships and confidence. These moments may seem small, but they have a powerful impact on the wellbeing of our seniors and the overall strength of our community.


Katie Brusven, Adult Community Center Coordinator for City of Marshall

Connecting to what matters

Strong social connections are essential for a Southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. By supporting organizations that bring people together, we help older adults feel seen, valued, and connected to their communities.

Make a gift in support of our mission so we can continue investing in programs like this that strengthen connection, promote well‑being, and help communities across Southwest Minnesota thrive.

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