Last fiscal year, Southwest Initiative Foundation offered the Community Challenge Grant. It was an opportunity for 24 community affiliates to receive grant funding from SWIF, with the stipulation that each community foundation come up with a new fundraising idea.Of the communities which participated, nine met their fundraising goals–allowing SWIF to grant them a whopping $41,500.
Each affiliate that participated created a fundraising idea that was unique and new to them, many of which set creative goals which surpassed being solely monetary. Lake Benton raised money for their grant award with a flamingo fundraiser, while Clarkfield reached their goal of having 80% of local businesses support their community foundation. Montevideo raised an astonishing $40,000 by reaching out to school district alumni, surpassing their goal four times over.
SWIF is so proud to support these wonderful affiliates, and the volunteers behind them, as they continue to do great work for area families! Together, we can continue to create change for current and future generations!
