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.
News
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.
Local partnerships make waves in Balaton
This summer’s pier replacement at Lake Yankton is an outstanding example of how collaboration can turn challenges into success for rural communities. By combining resources, generosity, and a shared love for their town, the Balaton Area Community Foundation and its partners made sure summer fun could continue uninterrupted.
New board members Eriann Faris and Valerie Halvorson
Welcome to new board members Eriann Faris and Valerie Halvorson! Eriann serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Project Coordinator at Southwest West Central Service Cooperative. Valerie works as the City Manager for the City of Madison. Their expertise, experience, and perspectives will bring tremendous value as we enter our 40th anniversary year in 2026 and as we embark on the next chapter of our organization.
Important staff updates at the foundation
We want to share an important update regarding our team. Due to funding constraints and the need to realign our teams for greater efficiency, we have made the difficult decision to eliminate two positions effective July 30: Youth & Community Program Officer and Community Engagement Specialist.
Loan Client Smokey Dukes in Hutchinson
Our loan client Smokey Dukes is a new family-owned and operated snack food business in Hutchinson. Brother and sister duo Lance Walter and Mari Wildt co-founded the company, which sells smoked, seasoned pretzels.
