How community foundations are making a difference in southwest Minnesota

Community Foundations

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.

This week, November 12-18, we celebrate Community Foundation Week alongside our 31 affiliate partners throughout southwest Minnesota. 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.

Cottonwood Area Community Foundation (2019)

A smiling person in a gray vest and beanie stands next to a red SUV with the trunk open, displaying a banner for the Cottonwood Area Community Foundation in a sunny parking lot. — Board member Heather Bitker represents Cottonwood Area Community Foundation at the Trunk or Treat event at Lakeview Public Schools.

Current board chair Linda Dieken was part of the group that launched the Cottonwood Area Community Foundation (CACF) in 2019.

“The main reason I wanted to be part of the foundation was that I wanted to give back to the community. I grew up on a farm outside of Cottonwood, our kids and some of our grandkids grew up here. The area means a lot to all of us. When the Southwest Initiative Foundation presented the opportunity to help us form a community foundation, I thought this was a way for me to start giving back,” Linda said.

At the beginning of 2022, CACF advisory board members voted to create a special project with the city of Cottonwood, building a splash pad at Lake Park. The foundation worked with a splash pad committee fundraising throughout the last three years. With individual and business contributions, numerous fundraising events and a DNR grant, their goal of $830,000 was met and construction will start in the spring of 2025.

Since 2021, CACF has granted more than $221,000 to support school programs and extracurriculars, first responders, the local food pantry and more.

Glencoe Area Community Foundation (2019)

Six women stand together smiling indoors, holding a large ceremonial check for $500 made out to Glen Fields. One woman holds a small dog, and there is art on the wall behind them. — Glencoe Area Community Foundation Board Members present a grant to GlenFields for animal assisted activities.

The Glencoe Community Foundation (GACF) is growing good in Glencoe and has awarded more than $9,500 in grants to projects in the community since the foundation’s launch in 2019. Projects receiving grants include suicide prevention and mental health training, animal assisted activities for older adults, domestic violence awareness and more.

Currently, the Glencoe Rotary and GACF are working together to help bring a fenced-in dog park to the amenities at Oscar Olson Sunrise Park. The park will serve as a safe and friendly place for community members to gather with their favorite fur-friends, allowing dogs to mingle while owners visit with their neighbors.

“Supporting the Glencoe Area Community Foundation has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing our local dog park project come to life in partnership with Rotary is proof of the positive impact we can make when we come together for good,” said GACF Advisory Board Member Lynn Beranek.

Lamberton Area Community Foundation (2020)

Two people stand in front of a blue wall holding a large check for $750 made out to Lamberton Longsox from the Lamberton Area Community Foundation, dated 7/25/24. — Lamberton Area Community Foundation awards a grant to the Lamberton Long Sox youth baseball program.

The Lamberton Area Community Foundation (LACF) is dedicated to strengthening the community through impactful initiatives and thoughtful investments. This year, board members celebrated a major milestone by growing the endowment fund beyond $100,000, which allows them to support projects that enhance local quality of life now and into the future. They’re also a partner in the the local Age Friendly work on a project fund focused on updating the city park, creating a welcoming, vibrant space for all ages.

“Together, we’re building a legacy of positive change in Lamberton,” said LACF Board Chair Debbie Vollmer. “Serving on the Lamberton Area Community Foundation board has shown me the true power of community-driven change. Every small step we take together not only strengthens our bonds but also creates lasting impact for future generations. I’m honored to play a part in building a brighter, more resilient Lamberton for everyone.”

Windom Area Foundation (2020)

Windom Area Foundation board members pose with Marv Grunig near the stone cutout of the state of Minnesota at the Windom Veterans Memorial. — Windom Area Foundation Board Members dedicate the new Windom Veterans Memorial alongside Marv Grunig, who coordinated the project.

The mission of the Windom Area Foundation (WAF) is to connect donors with causes – making the Windom area a great place to live, work and play. When the foundation was newly launched, its first major endeavor was hosting a project fund to gather donations for a new veterans memorial in town. Rahn Larson, WAF board member and editor of the Cottonwood County Citizen, led promotion efforts, and a matching fund drive by Bank Midwest further boosted the campaign, which raised $90,000.

“The veterans memorial allows people to remember the sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy. It’s a small price for us to pay that back. It’s hard not to get behind a project like this,” said WAF Board Chair Tony Scott.

Since inception, the foundation and its related funds have granted more than $113,000 to support local organizations, community projects, Windom Area Schools and flood relief. Each year, projects and needs emerge, and thanks to local gifts, Windom Area Foundation helps push these efforts over the finish line, making the area better.

“I like the idea of giving back to the community. There are a lot of people out there who have the desire to give back but don’t really know where or how. Starting a local community foundation created an opportunity for them to be able to do that,” Tony said.

Winsted Area Community Foundation (2020)

Six people stand smiling in front of colorful inflatable structures on a sunny day by a lake, wearing matching light gray t-shirts. Trees and blue sky are visible in the background. — Winsted Area Community Foundation board members volunteer at the Winsted Summer Festival.

As this local group gains momentum, advisory board members have focused on giving their time to the community via volunteering, gathering input from residents on priorities and engaging others in the community to raise visibility and gather support for the Winsted Area Community Foundation (WACF).

Opportunities they are seeing and hearing from their neighbors include a dog park, disc golf area, updating and improving parks, establishing a winter warming house and summer activities hub by the lake, sports equipment exchange to encourage participation and exploring fishing opportunities.

Local business owner Deb Keaveny is WACF Board Co-chair and serves on the foundation as a way to give back in recognition of how the community has been so good to her and her business over the years.

“Winsted is such an amazing place for families. The grants provided by the Winsted Area Community Foundation would improve areas for families and children growing up here. We also have a significant senior population, and this grant money can also be used for their betterment,” Deb said.

Plans are under way to host a community collaboration event engaging as many in the community as possible. Giving out grants is also part of their plan for the future.

“We encourage anyone interested in supporting this foundation to reach out to any of our members and tell us your ideas, help gifts of time and resources and find out how to give back to this amazing community!” said WACF Board Co-Chair Duane Butenschoen.

Community foundations are committed to “being here for good,” focusing on the future we can create together with our neighbors. If you want to invest in the good things happening in your community, check out our full list of local partners.