Pickleball courts are popping up across our region, many supported by our community foundation partners. This year, Glencoe Area Community Foundation granted $2,000 to the City of Glencoe for new pickleball courts and equipment.
community foundations
Tyler Area Community Foundation grant to hospice gives comfort and care
With a grant from the Tyler Area Community Foundation, Avera Tyler and Avera@Home Southwest Minnesota were able to update a hospital room for hospice patients. Improvements include fresh paint, new artwork, a comfortable sofa sleeper for family members to stay close to loved ones, and a lift chair for patients who are able to sit up.
Honoring veterans in Chippewa County
To honor and recognize the service of local veterans, Chippewa County Veterans Service Office hosted a special event at this year’s Chippewa County Fair in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Montevideo Veterans Home. The Montevideo Area Community Foundation granted $1,500 to help make Veterans Day at the fair success.
Grant for lifesaving training in Clara City
Our partner the Clara City Area Community Foundation made a grant to the local ambulance service for developing a CPR class guide and toolkit to expand community training efforts. In 2025, instructor Ben Schoep led his first class in Clara City—recertifying a local daycare provider. That training means faster, more confident responses to emergencies involving the youngest community members.
Darwin community celebrates Twine Ball 75th
The late Francis Johnson started creating what would become Darwin’s famous Twine Ball 75 years ago. The Darwin Community Legacy Foundation is spearheading the recognition of 2025 as a milestone year, in partnership with the city of Darwin.
Member Impact Fund invests in southwest Minnesota
Five of our community foundation partners received generous matching grants totaling $250,000 through a partnership between local financial institutions and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines). This funding is part of a broader $20 million initiative aimed at strengthening affordable housing and community development efforts across Minnesota.










