Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation
The Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation’s mission is to solicit funds and award grants that enrich the communities of Heron Lake and Okabena by promoting education and opportunities to create a legacy of pride and partnership. Organized under the umbrella of Southwest Initiative Foundation, the community foundation is a vehicle for making charitable contributions for the benefit of the community through a permanent endowment fund that enables people to give back and fulfill the dreams for tomorrow. A local advisory board provides oversight and directs how funds will be used for the exclusive benefit of the Heron Lake-Okabena area.
Local Advisory Board
Jackie Baumgard
Collette Diemer
Tracy Freking
Annie Rasche
Hannah Stenzel
Grants
The Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation sets grant-making priorities through regular review of community needs and opportunities. Grants are made to qualified non-profit organizations that have an interest in building and strengthening the community and surrounding area. The Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation has awarded more than $265,000 in grants to twenty local organizations. Grant recipients include the Heron Lake Fire Department, local schools, youth athletic teams, mental health and suicide prevention education, and the Heron Lake Legion/Veterans Memorial.
