We’re celebrating our longest-serving employee, Nancy Fasching! For 25 years, Nancy has been an integral part of our grantmaking.
Nancy joined Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) in January 2001 as a Grants Specialist and steadily advanced through roles including Grants Officer, Senior Administration and Grants Officer, and Community Impact Director before becoming Vice President for Community Impact.
Today, Nancy leads the foundation’s grant programs, oversees research and learning for strategic initiatives, and drives efforts to bring in resources for community programs.
“It’s amazing to think about what the organization was when I started and what it is now, the impact we have had, the relationships we’ve built, and all the good that has happened because of what SWIF is to the region,” Nancy said.
Passionate about bringing people together, Nancy works to create systems and opportunities where all residents can thrive, now and for generations to come. Nancy serves on the boards of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, I.J. Burich Family Foundation, and United Community Action Agency.
She is also active in the Winsted Economic Development Commission, helped found the Winsted Arts Council, and is an alumna of the Blandin Community Leadership Program. She is truly of and for rural places.
“The people I’ve had the honor of working with through this time have just been incredible,” Nancy said. “Every person on this earth has something to teach you, so take it in. You might not know what it is right away, but there is always a reason.”
Later this year, we’ll also celebrate 25-year milestones for Margie Nelsen, our Chief Financial Officer, and Nancy Kaping, our Board Governance Administrator and Database Specialist. Among our current staff, the average tenure is a decade—a testament to the commitment and passion of this team, and the mission and region we serve.
“It’s inspiring what we can do when we all row in the same direction,” Nancy said.
