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Southwest Initiative Foundation / Stories

Stories

The Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort gathers for a group photo, smiling in front of a bright yellow building with white doors. They are posed outdoors on a gray pavement.

June 1, 2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders

Growing Local: Emerging Leaders exists to cultivate the next generation of community-minded changemakers, people who are ready to step into

Filed Under: Building Resilient Communities, Home Page Feature, Stories Tagged With: Leadership

Three adults stand in a riding arena with a large horse. One woman holds a piece of paper, while the others smile at the camera. The setting is indoors with a dirt floor and white paneled walls.

May 26, 2026

A Ripple of Generosity: Two Conference Attendees Direct Grants to Southwest Minnesota Nonprofits

At our recent nonprofit and fund partner conference, attendees came together to learn, connect, and share ideas to strengthen the nonprofit sector

Filed Under: Building Resilient Communities, Home Page Feature, Stories Tagged With: Grants

A group of people stand in a circle outdoors, holding strands of yarn. Overlaid text reads, Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series—highlighting innovative ways to boost local economies. Presented by Southwest Initiative Foundation & Department of Public Transformation.

May 19, 2026

Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series

Strengthening rural economies through creativity and connection The Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series is a three-part learning

Filed Under: Boosting Economic Mobility, Stories Tagged With: Business Support

A football field with bright green turf, white yard lines, and large black and white SH7 letters painted in each end zone. The field is empty and seen from a high vantage point.

May 18, 2026

Litchfield Public School Foundation receives transformational gift

Generosity that strengthens education and community Last month, the Litchfield Public School Foundation received the most significant gift in its

Filed Under: Home Page Feature, Retaining Wealth, Stories Tagged With: Community Foundations, Grants

Large bold magenta text on a light blue background reads Rally Your Region Southwest Minnesota, with a colorful geometric pattern in the top right corner.

May 13, 2026

Rally Your Region is coming to Southwest Minnesota!

Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders are invited to join Southwest Minnesota partners, the International Economic

Filed Under: Boosting Economic Mobility, Home Page Feature, Stories

Peggy and Sandy Ludeman smile in front of a decorated Christmas tree. The woman wears a blue patterned jacket and glasses; the man wears a gray suit and name badge. The tree is adorned with red, gold, and white ornaments.

April 24, 2026

Keeping the lights on

Submitted by Sandy Ludeman, Tracy area I had opportunity to be board chairman during the 25th anniversary when we sponsored quite a number of

Filed Under: 40th Anniversary Tagged With: Donors

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