For 25 years, Nancy Fasching has been an integral part of our grantmaking. Nancy joined Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) in January 2001 as a Grants Specialist and steadily advanced through roles including Grants Officer, Senior Administration and Grants Officer, and Community Impact Director before becoming Vice President for Community Impact.
grants
Glencoe Area Community Foundation pitches in for pickleball
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.
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.
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.
