Driving through Windom on Highway 71, you can’t miss the flags snapping smartly in the breeze over the Windom Veterans Memorial at the center of town. Limestone blocks dovetail black stone monuments, each etched with the image of a service member from different branches of the military. The memorial is a testament not only to the service of those in the armed forces, but also to the everyday service shown by those who care for our rural communities.
Community Foundations
How community foundations are making a difference in southwest Minnesota
Community foundations take the kindness of neighbors and turn it into something bigger. They amplify the ordinary ways we care for each other as individuals, bringing together donors, residents, and nonprofits to help our communities thrive. Whether you’re familiar with your local community foundation or not, chances are you’ve felt its influence. To give you an idea of the good that’s happening, we have updates from a handful of our newest community foundation partners.
Child care gets a boost from Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation
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.
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.
Balaton Area Community Foundation grants pass $200,000 mark
The Balaton Area Community Foundation (BACF) made its first grant in 2010 for playground equipment at Legion Lion Park. Recent grants include upgrades to the park at the lake, the fire department and ambulance and a major renovation at the community center, featuring new flooring, new interior paint and new tables. With all those projects and many more, BACF has granted a total of $200,120.
