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.
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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.
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders graduates first cohort
Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program recently graduated its first cohort of 14 participants. This leadership education program supports emerging leaders in southwest Minnesota and is a partnership with University of Minnesota Extension.
In Bird Island, supporting community-led solutions to the child care crisis
Founded in 1999, the nonprofit Learning Funhouse child care center serves families from all over Renville County. Southwest Initiative Foundation supports community planning, public policy, project investment and technical assistance, public relations and appreciation, and professional development for child care in southwest Minnesota.
Darwin Community Legacy Foundation makes its mark with help from generous community members and legacy gift
The Darwin Community Legacy Foundation has made its mark on Darwin and the surrounding area by raising more than $1 million in its first six years. The local foundation is an affiliate partner of Southwest Initiative Foundation, and its mission is to provide a better community for tomorrow through charitable giving today.
Grants: Fostering social connection in later life
Southwest Initiative Foundation has created a grant program to support projects that provide southwest Minnesota-serving organizations with funding to reduce and prevent social isolation and loneliness among older adults in our region. Apply today for a Fostering Social Connection in Later Life grant from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund.
