Happy holidays! We are grateful for our partners, supporters and community members today and throughout the year. Together, we’re building a stronger southwest Minnesota where all kids, families, businesses and communities can thrive. Southwest Minnesota artist Deb Meyer of Madison created this beautiful watercolor portrait of her own home after a fresh coat of snow on a chilly winter day.
Maynard and Deb Meyer, Mainstays in Madison
Maynard and Deb Meyer have called Madison home for more than 40 years. Together, they’ve made a big impact on their small town. Maynard is a founding board member of the Madison Community Foundation, and Deb is the artist for the 2023 Southwest Initiative Foundation holiday card.
Kristine Shelstad, Madison
Kristine (Kris) Shelstad of Madison saw the need for a multipurpose space in her community. She was chosen as a 2022-2023 Initiators Fellow, which provided her with funding and technical assistance to bring her social enterprise to life. The Madison Mercantile, known locally as “The Merc,” now houses a coffee shop, stage for live music, multiple business offices, space for community meetings and gatherings, youth hang out space, woodworking shop and more.
Marissa Brown, Lamberton
Marissa Brown of Lamberton recently graduated from the first Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort. Marissa is inspired by the creativity, kindness and camaraderie of her neighbors; she applied to the program to develop her leadership skills to help her community thrive.
Connecting Dreams
Southwest Minnesota is a place of opportunity. Our communities, large and small, are full of dreamers and doers who make our towns stronger and better places to live. At Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), we’ve been supporting our region’s dreamers for nearly 40 years. Investment, partnership and support from our donors and partners is critical for us to provide the capital, engagement and resources that our amazing communities throughout the region need to achieve their dreams.
Fall Workshop for Fund Partners
Community Foundation and Education Foundation partners are invited to join the SWIF Giving Team and fellow advisory board members for a hands-on workshop to learn about writing an engaging year-end fundraising letter, followed by a site visit and optional networking social.