Nothing compares to a day at the pool during southwest Minnesota’s hot summer months. The Pipestone Area Community Foundation helped more kids get in the water last summer with a grant supporting a unique program: The City of Pipestone Ewert Recreation Department provides assistances for qualifying families to purchase swimming lessons and aquatic passes for their children.
grants
Ready, set, play! Local grant supports Lake Benton Elementary School playgrounds
The playgrounds at Lake Benton Elementary are more than just a space for students during school hours. They are a central part of the Lake Benton community. Families, residents and visitors regularly enjoy the playground after school, on weekends, and during community events like Saddle Horse Days.
Little Eagles ‘Born Learning Trail’ blends fun and education
Installed last summer by Little Eagles Daycare, the Born Learning Trail received support from Madison Community Foundation with a $1,000 grant. This grant helped jump start the community project, with the Madison Arts Council and community volunteers – including kids! – putting forth the labor to make it a success.
2025 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
As a trusted partner to the Otto Bremer Trust, Southwest Initiative Foundation will grant out a total of $400,000 to southwest Minnesota organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive fund. The Community Responsive Fund grant application will be available April 15 to May 22, 2025.
Grants benefit local libraries in southwest Minnesota
Many of our local community foundation partners make grants to benefit libraries in southwest Minnesota, supporting a variety of projects. Thanks to funding from the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation and the Friends of the Library, the Hutchinson Public Library was able to purchase 12 custom-built children’s picture book bins.
‘Small towns can bloom in big ways’
Picture a city where streets bloom with baskets of flowers, trees grow to shade the sidewalks and residents take pride in their surroundings. This is the city of Dawson, thanks in part to Dawson Community Foundation grants dedicated to city beautification efforts.
