HUTCHINSON, Minn. – Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is offering Grow Our Own grants to support work related to creating prosperity for all southwest Minnesota kids and the communities they call home. Areas of focus for this grant round are early learning and development, strong and heathy families, K-12 engagement in and out of schools, vibrant and welcoming communities and pathways to meaningful work.
The application is available online. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on March 15.
“To reach the future we want for our region, we need to ensure all our kids and families are set up for success. Grow Our Own is about aligning resources, building momentum, and closing the opportunity gap for our kids by investing in the people and systems that surround them,” said Nancy Fasching, Vice President of Community Impact at SWIF.
The outcome of this work is the achievement of economic mobility: the collective ambition that all people attain a reasonable standard of living, with the dignity that comes from having power over their lives and being engaged in and valued by their community.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation welcomes partners with diverse cultures, philosophies, and experiences. SWIF supports grantmaking activities that reflect and promote the diversity of its southwest Minnesota communities and seeks grantees and partners that share this value through their mission, governance boards, partnerships and people served.
All proposals must demonstrate a benefit within one or more of the following 18 counties in southwest Minnesota: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine; or the Native nations of Caŋṡayapi Oyate (Lower Sioux Indian Community) or Peżihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community).
Proposals must be submitted by an independent 501(c)(3) organization, a unit of government, religious institution or educational entity. Funding requests of up to $10,000 will be considered; Matching funds are encouraged. Additional funds may be awarded, dependent upon availability. Projects must be completed within 12 months of the grant award date. Applicants will be informed of the decision by the end of April.
Questions can be directed to Nancy Fasching at (320) 484-9104 or send an email.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $107 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.
