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.
Annual Reports
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.
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.
Grant for lifesaving training in Clara City
Our partner the Clara City Area Community Foundation made a grant to the local ambulance service for developing a CPR class guide and toolkit to expand community training efforts. In 2025, instructor Ben Schoep led his first class in Clara City—recertifying a local daycare provider. That training means faster, more confident responses to emergencies involving the youngest community members.
Artmobile grant grows social connection
he Artmobile in Worthington teamed up with local high school students this past summer to make art with older adults in the community thanks in part to grant support from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund at Southwest Initiative Foundation. Thanks to the project, older adults had more social interactions, reducing isolation. The resulting public art benches celebrate the community’s creativity. They will be enjoyed by the residents and visitors for years to come.
Conexiones grant builds community
With support from the Together We Thrive Grant, Conexiones, in partnership with KMS Community Education, organized three family centered activities during summer 2024. This included an outing to Glacial Lakes State Park, a family bus trip to Country Blossom Farm and a community pool night. “We had a wonderful summer hosting activities that brought families from all walks of life together. These events offered opportunities for community members to build lasting relationships and a sense of community,” said Conexiones Executive Director Autumn Macias.
