I was in Montevideo and Olivia this week to meet with community leaders, and I was blown away by the work these communities are doing to keep significant dollars in our region through community philanthropy.
The Montevideo Area Community Foundation was formed in the early 1990s but just recently partnered with Southwest Initiative Foundation. The partnership has reenergized the group—they reached our challenge match of $25,000 and then three local donors stepped forward for another $25,000 match. So, in the last 12 months their endowment has grown by over $100,000!
The Pipestone Area Community Foundation also met a similar match.
And, the BIO Legacy Foundation serving Bird Island and Olivia reached their $25,000 match and are working on a challenge from a local bank.
This local generosity is so impressive but what’s especially exciting is that thanks to a year of success, these community funds can nearly double the amount they grant out every year going forward to support their communities!
