In October, the 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort gathered for the sixth and final session of their leadership journey. The theme for the evening was Visionary Leadership, Action, and Celebration, hosted at Little Theatre Auditorium in New London.
Stories
2025 Year-End Giving Guide
As the season of generosity approaches, we’re here to help make your year-end charitable giving simple and meaningful. Whether you’re supporting our mission, a community foundation partner, or another fund, now is a great time to plan ahead. We’ve outlined key dates and deadlines below to make sure your tax-deductible gifts are processed smoothly and on time.
Senator tours Promise Act projects in Willmar
We recently welcomed Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, president of the Minnesota State Senate, to Willmar for a firsthand look at the transformative Promise Act projects. The tour showcased three businesses that exemplify the power of community investment: Happy Halal, Mubarak Food & Grocery, and Bar Path CrossFit.
From Passion to Plate: Well Made Meal Prep
Fueled by the real-life challenge of balancing busy lives and providing their family with homemade, nutritious food, Shay and Raven All Runner launched a meal prep service with a bold mission: to inspire change by making healthy eating accessible for everyone, one meal at a time.
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.
Loan Client Mocha Motion in Hutchinson
Mocha Motion is a mobile coffee trailer fueled by passion, community, and a deep love for coffee. Founder Heather Finnell, based in Hutchinson, is new to entrepreneurship and received funding and support from our Microenterprise Loan Program to launch her business.
