Cassie Carlson moved and expanded her coffee shop this year thanks to help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Cassie opened The Coffee Corner in March 2021 inside another business — Sieverson’s Pharmacy in Hendricks. In July 2022, she expanded for the first time, opening a consignment shop in her space at the pharmacy. But there still wasn’t space for everything she wanted to do. Then earlier this year, the opportunity arose to purchase a former bank building next door to her location, and Cassie jumped at the chance to have room to bring to life more of her original business plan.
News
2024 local leadership training wraps
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders graduated its second cohort in November, celebrating 13 community leaders who will help southwest Minnesota thrive. Leaders shape our organizations by setting the tone for the culture and making decisions that have a lasting impact on people and communities. Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is designed to help up-and-coming leaders discover and build on their unique strengths so they can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.
2024 Holiday Office Hours at the Foundation
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 Brad Hall of Granite Falls created this beautiful linoleum block print and watercolor with inspiration from the rural landscape near his home.
For Brad Hall, moving back home meant pursuing his dreams
Nearly 20 years after leaving Granite Falls, Bradley (Brad) Hall decided to return to his hometown to pursue his dreams of becoming a full-time artist. Brad is this year’s featured artist for the foundation’s holiday card. Brad’s inspiration for much his art, including “Snowy Trail,” comes from right outside his home.
Appleton Community Foundation grant puts students in holiday spirit
Reindeer sing, flashlights glow and kazoos hum through the halls in Appleton and Madison as students prepare for their holiday program. The performance shines a spotlight on just how wild things can get at the North Pole this time of year! Thanks to a grant from the Appleton Community Foundation and donations from local families, teachers were able to purchase supplies to make the show really sparkle.
Mountain Lake Area Foundation grants help put food on the table
Mountain Lake Area Foundation (MLAF) has granted $25,000 over the last 10 years to help sustain the local Loaves & Fishes food shelf. In addition to supporting the local food shelf, MLAF has granted to many other projects in the community. Their core fundraiser is an annual dinner, a well-attended affair the community looks forward to each year.
