A community foundation is a nonprofit organization that pools charitable donations from individuals, families, businesses, and other entities to support local causes and improve the quality of life in a specific geographic area.
We’re a partner for growth and local giving in communities across Southwest Minnesota. What this looks like varies; in some communities, we provided a loan to keep a local store open on main street. In others, we granted funding to support a local nonprofit, like a food shelf. Part of our mission is supporting community foundation affiliates and designated funds in communities across the region, creating many ways to give back and help keep assets and resources local.
Donations from individuals, families, businesses and organizations support our mission, community foundation affiliates, and another local funds under our umbrella.
If there is annual interest earned on our endowment fund, we use part of the earnings for operations and mission support. The original gifts made to the endowment are held in perpetuity.
Our microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
We receive intermediary funding from the state and federal governments as well as private foundations. Those dollars are directed and paid out through specific programs based on legislative, program, or donor restrictions. For example, we receive funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to support child care professionals and child care centers.
We receive grants from private foundations and businesses that support programmatic work, such as fostering welcoming communities.
Our grants are open to nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies and projects that use one of these entities as a fiscal partner. We offer grant rounds announced through a Request for Proposals, each designed around clear funding priorities. This approach helps us support projects best positioned to strengthen our region.
Most of our grants are awarded through our community foundation and designated fund partners, which have their own grant application guidelines. We don’t award grants to individuals or to start a business. Instead, entrepreneurs can talk to our loan team.
We typically do not award grants to businesses. There have been specific government programs, such as the Promise Act, where we have acted as an intermediary partner.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can talk to our loan team. If the business plan seems like it could be a fit for Southwest Initiative Foundation, our loan team will help you apply for financing.
A gift in support of our mission provides immediate, flexible dollars that help us organize and support community leaders, invest in businesses, support local nonprofits, help organizations grow and improve, process gifts and grants, and promote our region. You can make a gift online via our donate page or by mailing a check to Southwest Initiative Foundation, 15 3rd Ave NW, Hutchinson, MN. Interested in learning about creative giving options or planning a gift for tomorrow? Email our development team or call (320)-587-4848.
Part of our mission is supporting community foundation affiliates and designated funds in communities across the region, creating many ways to give back and support local causes. You can make a gift online to our community foundation affiliates and designated fund partners or you can send a check to our office at 15 3rd Ave NW, Hutchinson, MN 55350 (please note which fund you’re supporting). Gifts to a fund at SWIF receive the highest possible charitable tax deduction.
Local giving: We help donors make meaningful and individualized gifts that make a difference in Southwest Minnesota.
Grants for projects: Our family of funds provide dollars to support youth programs in schools, vitality projects as we age, belonging efforts, vibrancy in our communities, and more.
Business loans: We offer loans and technical assistance to keep local businesses strong.
Training and support: From leadership programs to nonprofit conferences and business coaching, we give people the tools they need to succeed.
Community development: We work side by side with partners to tackle big challenges — child care solutions, workforce needs, and economic growth — so rural communities stay vibrant.
If you’re located in Greater Minnesota, check out the Minnesota Initiative Foundations. SWIF is one of six Minnesota Initiative Foundations serving all of our state’s rural geography. Find your regional foundation!