We provide funding and support for Welcoming Week celebrations in communities across our region as part of our membership in Welcoming America. Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
Welcoming Week takes place annually in September. Check our calendar for event dates in specific communities.
How to Get Involved
Whether it’s a potluck dinner, a community service project, or a cultural celebration, hosting an event is a great way to bring people together and promote inclusivity. If your community is interested in hosting a Welcoming Week event in southwest Minnesota, we want to know! Email Than Than Kyaw to find out how SWIF can support you.
If you’re looking for additional ideas to help you plan activities in your community, Welcoming America has a toolkit to support your local event.
Grants for Welcoming Week
We have grants available to support local Welcoming Week activities in southwest Minnesota. To apply for a grant, you can fill our our grant request form. Before completing a grant request, please review our grant guidelines to make sure your organization is eligible to apply.
Welcoming Week activities may also be eligible for a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council if they include arts exhibits or performances, art classes for community members of all ages or public art. Like the name implies, these “Quick Support for Organizations” grants have a quick turnaround! Note that applications open July 1 and must be submitted by August 1, with the earliest project start date of September 1.
Find more information on SMAC’s website, including eligibility and how to apply.
More Ways to Welcome
Hosting an activity isn’t the only way to build a welcoming community. Here are a few more ways you can strengthen belonging.
- Spread the word: Share information about Welcoming Week on social media, with your friends and family, or even put up a poster in your window. Let people know how important it is to create a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Show up in your community: Whether it’s your local Welcoming Week celebration or another community gathering, making time to connect with others builds welcoming, especially when you get to know fellow residents you haven’t already met!
- Learn about different cultures: Take some time to learn about the different cultures represented in your community. Read a book by an author from a different background, watch a movie in a different language or try a new recipe from another part of the world.
- Welcome your neighbors: Get to know the people who live around you. A simple hello or a friendly wave can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Let’s work together to make Minnesota a more welcoming place for all.
