As the season of generosity approaches, we’re here to help make your year-end charitable giving simple and meaningful. Whether you’re supporting our mission, a community foundation partner, or another fund, now is a great time to plan ahead. We’ve outlined key dates and deadlines below to make sure your tax-deductible gifts are processed smoothly and on time.
Senator tours Promise Act projects in Willmar
We recently welcomed Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, president of the Minnesota State Senate, to Willmar for a firsthand look at the transformative Promise Act projects. The tour showcased three businesses that exemplify the power of community investment: Happy Halal, Mubarak Food & Grocery, and Bar Path CrossFit.
Honoring veterans in Chippewa County
To honor and recognize the service of local veterans, Chippewa County Veterans Service Office hosted a special event at this year’s Chippewa County Fair in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Montevideo Veterans Home. The Montevideo Area Community Foundation granted $1,500 to help make Veterans Day at the fair success.
Time to socialize and exercise at Winsted SAIL classes
After completing the grant-funded Age Friendly Communities program, Winsted launched the “Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)” exercise program two and a half years ago, starting with one class on Mondays and Fridays. Within 5 months it was so popular, they needed to start a second class. This September, they launched a third.
SMCC loan supports Hutchinson dancer, entrepreneur
Tatyana Wittman has been dancing since she was 2. She turned her lifelong passion into a business this year, opening Synergy Dance Project in the Hutchinson Mall. This Gen Z founder has always been inspired by the idea of synergy, how people work better together. A loan from Southwest Minnesota Community Capital helped pave the way. This emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a subsidiary of Southwest Initiative Foundation.
Celebrating Kids Rock! Child Care Center
On May 28, a red ribbon snapped in half between giant scissors as a large group of supporters cheered in Luverne. Kids Rock! Child Care Center was ready to welcome kids and families with quality, affordable child care, truly something to celebrate. In fiscal year 2025, SWIF invested more than half a million in southwest Minnesota’s child care providers and businesses, supporting start-up expenses, technical assistance, professional development and other critical operational needs.
