Heron Lake Day Care Center opened in 1975 in the small town of Heron Lake in Jackson County. Kaye Fury started caring for kids at the center in 1980 and is currently the sole staff member. Earlier this year, Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation (HLOCF) awarded a grant to the center to pay for in-service training to comply with licensing requirements as well as supplies and activities for school age kids.
Stories
Cottonwood Area Community Foundation grant helps equip first responders
Our community foundation partner the Cottonwood Area Community Foundation granted $1,000 to help the local fire department to purchase additional equipment for a new tanker/pumper truck that replaced a very old tanker truck. National First Responders Day in October honors the bravery and dedication of first responders who keep people in our communities safe. We’re shining a spotlight on the grant from our local partner supporting this essential public service.
Worthington Area Community Foundation supports Nobles County 4-H Program
October marks National 4-H Week, and to celebrate we’re highlighting a grant from one of our community foundation partners investing in this youth-focused nonprofit. Earlier this year, the Worthington Area Community Foundation (WACF) awarded $1,500 to Nobles County 4-H to purchase additional tablets to use with Edison robots, allowing more youth to engage in hands-on learning and strengthen their coding and problem-solving skills. WACF is one of our 31 community foundation partners.
Promise Loan Program funding available
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has funding available for local economic development projects through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Promise Loan Program. The Promise Loan Program makes loans to businesses, nonprofits and developers in communities that have been adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, a loss of population or an aging population, or a lack of regional economic diversification.
Southwest Minnesota communities are “All In” for this year’s Welcoming Week
Twelve communities across southwest Minnesota are wrapping up final details for their Welcoming Week celebrations. The Swift County Area will kick things off with a party in the park on September 8, with the rest of the celebrations in the region happening through early October. Welcoming Week events are free and open to the public. You’re encouraged to invite friends and family to attend an event happening near you!
Kathy Wehking completes 6 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Kathy Wehking is retiring from our board of directors following 6 years of service. Kathy started her term in 2018, drawing from her experience as an educator, community leader and farmer. During her service, SWIF accelerated its investments to support access to quality, affordable child care; launched Welcoming Week and the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program; and leveraged connections and expertise to ensure relief and recovery funding flowed into the region’s businesses and communities.
