We invite southwest Minnesota child care providers, economic development professionals, community leaders and champions of child care to attend a listening session to learn about and provide feedback, ideas and concerns regarding the second draft of licensing standards for child care centers published by the Department of Human Services as part of the Child Care Regulation Modernization Projects.
Vibrant Communities
2025 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
As a trusted partner to the Otto Bremer Trust, Southwest Initiative Foundation will grant out a total of $400,000 to southwest Minnesota organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive fund. The Community Responsive Fund grant application will be available April 15 to May 22, 2025.
Apply for the 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community, but need the tools and confidence to step into more formal leadership roles? Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is a leadership education program designed just for you. We’ll help you discover and build on your unique strengths so you can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.
Artmobile grant grows social connection
he Artmobile in Worthington teamed up with local high school students this past summer to make art with older adults in the community thanks in part to grant support from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund at Southwest Initiative Foundation. Thanks to the project, older adults had more social interactions, reducing isolation. The resulting public art benches celebrate the community’s creativity. They will be enjoyed by the residents and visitors for years to come.
Conexiones grant builds community
With support from the Together We Thrive Grant, Conexiones, in partnership with KMS Community Education, organized three family centered activities during summer 2024. This included an outing to Glacial Lakes State Park, a family bus trip to Country Blossom Farm and a community pool night. “We had a wonderful summer hosting activities that brought families from all walks of life together. These events offered opportunities for community members to build lasting relationships and a sense of community,” said Conexiones Executive Director Autumn Macias.
2024 local leadership training wraps
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders graduated its second cohort in November, celebrating 13 community leaders who will help southwest Minnesota thrive. Leaders shape our organizations by setting the tone for the culture and making decisions that have a lasting impact on people and communities. Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is designed to help up-and-coming leaders discover and build on their unique strengths so they can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.
