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.
grants
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.
Time to socialize and exercise at Winsted SAIL classes
After completing the grant-funded Age Friendly Communities program, Winsted launched the “Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)” exercise program two and a half years ago, starting with one class on Mondays and Fridays. Within 5 months it was so popular, they needed to start a second class. This September, they launched a third.
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.
Southwest Initiative Foundation awards $400,000 in grant funds through the 2025 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
Southwest Initiative Foundation recently awarded 9 grants totaling $400,000 through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund to support local organizations that address literacy, adoption and foster care services, children’s health, children’s disability services, mental health, and capital projects for hospitals and clinics.
Back to School with the ISD 423 Foundation
August means it’s time to get ready to head back to school in southwest Minnesota. Teachers are prepping classrooms and curriculum. Families are gathering school supplies. And our school foundation partners are getting ready to make an impact with grants supported by generous local donors.
Take a look behind the scenes with our partner the Hutchinson Independent School District #423 Foundation.
