Southwest Initiative Foundation recently awarded 16 grants totaling $400,000 through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund to support local organizations that address community asset building, basic needs, health and well-being and restorative and responsive services.
Congratulations to the following grantees:
- Child’s Place to provide funding for child advocacy services in southwest Minnesota
- ISD #347 Willmar to support the adult literacy program through Glacial Lakes Adult Basic Education
- Kandiyohi County Area Family Young Men’s Christian Association to support staffing and supplies for ongoing member services and programming
- Marshall Area YMCA to help maximize health, prevent chronic disease and promote full participation, choice, health equity and quality of life among disadvantaged individuals and families
- McLeod Alliance to provide financial assistance for housing for survivors of domestic violence
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic to support access to medical care for those who are uninsured and underinsured in the Worthington area
- Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc. to support the Chippewa County Food Shelf in providing cultural and fresh options, purchasing and replacing equipment and increasing food access
- Project Turnabout to provide comprehensive addiction recovery services and support to individuals grappling with substance use disorders and compulsive gambling
- Rock County Opportunities, Inc. to enhance mobility and provide safe and accessible transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities
- Safe Avenues to provide basic needs for victims experiencing violence, including safe shelter, food, clothing and guidance through the court system
- Southwest Adult Basic Education to support the adult literacy programming, providing adults across the region with opportunities to acquire and improve their literacy skills
- Southwest Crisis Center – Worthington to create connections and support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and human trafficking
- The Link of Northern Kandiyohi County to support The Link’s Foster Stitches program, where children of all ages in foster care can “shop” for basic needs, including clothing and hygiene items
- The Young Men’s Christian Association of Worthington, Minnesota to support educational and recreational activities for youth entering Kindergarten through eighth grade
- United Community Action Partnership, Inc. to support The Global Food Market in Nobles County, the Emergency Shelter Program in Nobles County and the Youth Development Program in Redwood County
- Women’s Rural Advocacy Programs to raise awareness of the program and provide support for staff and administrative expenses so that the program can grow and expand
“We are excited to have these organizations receive funding to help advance their missions, and ultimately, help create a stronger southwest Minnesota where all people can thrive,” said Nancy Fasching, SWIF Vice President of Community Impact. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust and the funding that has been invested into our communities through the Community Responsive Fund.”
As a trusted philanthropic intermediary partner to Otto Bremer Trust, SWIF serves as a local resource by providing guidance to regional challenges and opportunities, helping to ensure that OBT makes a positive impact in the regions it serves.
The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Since its founding, Otto Bremer Trust has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places and opportunities. For more information about Otto Bremer Trust, visit https://ottobremer.org.
