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.
News
Where are they now? Southwest Minnesota Initiators Fellows
Are you ready to turn your passion for social change into a thriving enterprise? The Initiators Fellowship is here to help you. We’ve gathered stories from our southwest Minnesota Initiators Fellows past and present to give you an idea of where the fellowship could take you!
TJ Petals & More
Trenna Jeppesen has opened TJ Petals & More with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. Trenna purchased the real estate and business assets of Olivia Floral and Garden from owner Nicole Johnson. The store began in 1954 as Olivia Floral and has been a staple in the community ever since.
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.
Tuition assistance available for trainings offered through Propel Nonprofits
We are partnering with Propel Nonprofits to provide opportunities for training and professional development for staff, board members, and committee volunteers engaged with nonprofit organizations located in southwest Minnesota.
Woodgrain Custom Builds
Kevin Veldhuisen is reimagining his small business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Veldhuisen opened Woodgrain Custom Builds (originally named The Creation Workshop) in 2015. His woodworking career started even earlier in 2007 when he bought his first miter saw and started building simple furnishings for his wife, Anne, and their family.
