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.
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Loan Client Holly’s Aesthetics and Spa in Montevideo
After two years of dedication, hard work, and planning, Holly Schwendemann has opened the doors to Holly’s Aesthetics and Spa in her hometown. Born from a lifelong passion for skincare and self-care, this new space is more than just a business; it’s the culmination of a dream built with love, persistence, and a whole lot of paint.
Southwest Initiative Foundation awards $400,000 in grant funds through the 2025 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
Southwest Initiative Foundation recently awarded 9 grants totaling $400,000 through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund to support local organizations that address literacy, adoption and foster care services, children’s health, children’s disability services, mental health, and capital projects for hospitals and clinics.
Darwin community celebrates Twine Ball 75th
The late Francis Johnson started creating what would become Darwin’s famous Twine Ball 75 years ago. The Darwin Community Legacy Foundation is spearheading the recognition of 2025 as a milestone year, in partnership with the city of Darwin.
New board members Eriann Faris and Valerie Halvorson
Welcome to new board members Eriann Faris and Valerie Halvorson! Eriann serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Project Coordinator at Southwest West Central Service Cooperative. Valerie works as the City Manager for the City of Madison. Their expertise, experience, and perspectives will bring tremendous value as we enter our 40th anniversary year in 2026 and as we embark on the next chapter of our organization.
Introducing Southwest Minnesota Community Capital
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has formed a new subsidiary called Southwest Minnesota Community Capital with the goal of achieving certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Pursuing CDFI certification marks a bold step forward in realizing our vision of a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. This transformational initiative will deepen our impact and strengthen our role in advancing economic mobility for our region.
