Brad Gruhot is a husband, dad, “Chamber guy,” sports lover and a volunteer. He’s been with the Marshall Area Chamber for nearly 11 years and is involved in Business Development, Ambassadors and Transportation & Legislative Committees as well as overseeing daily chamber operations. Brad and his wife, Karen, live in Marshall with their two children.
Laura Curtiss on leadership
Laura Curtiss wears many hats in life. She serves as our Grants and Operations Assistant in addition to being a devoted mom, a supportive sister, a grateful daughter, an enthusiastic follower and an ambitious dreamer. Each of these roles allows her to demonstrate leadership in unique and meaningful ways. Laura is also part of the current cohort of McLeod For Tomorrow’s leadership program.
2025 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
As a trusted partner to the Otto Bremer Trust, Southwest Initiative Foundation will grant out a total of $400,000 to southwest Minnesota organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive fund. The Community Responsive Fund grant application will be available April 15 to May 22, 2025.
Where are they now? Southwest Minnesota Initiators Fellows
Are you ready to turn your passion for social change into a thriving enterprise? The Initiators Fellowship is here to help you. We’ve gathered stories from our southwest Minnesota Initiators Fellows past and present to give you an idea of where the fellowship could take you!
TJ Petals & More
Trenna Jeppesen has opened TJ Petals & More with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. Trenna purchased the real estate and business assets of Olivia Floral and Garden from owner Nicole Johnson. The store began in 1954 as Olivia Floral and has been a staple in the community ever since.
Grants benefit local libraries in southwest Minnesota
Many of our local community foundation partners make grants to benefit libraries in southwest Minnesota, supporting a variety of projects. Thanks to funding from the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation and the Friends of the Library, the Hutchinson Public Library was able to purchase 12 custom-built children’s picture book bins.
