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.
News
Loan Client Holly’s Aesthetics and Spa in Montevideo
After two years of dedication, hard work, and planning, Holly Schwendemann has opened the doors to Holly’s Aesthetics and Spa in her hometown. Born from a lifelong passion for skincare and self-care, this new space is more than just a business; it’s the culmination of a dream built with love, persistence, and a whole lot of paint.
Southwest Initiative Foundation awards $400,000 in grant funds through the 2025 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
Southwest Initiative Foundation recently awarded 9 grants totaling $400,000 through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund to support local organizations that address literacy, adoption and foster care services, children’s health, children’s disability services, mental health, and capital projects for hospitals and clinics.
Darwin community celebrates Twine Ball 75th
The late Francis Johnson started creating what would become Darwin’s famous Twine Ball 75 years ago. The Darwin Community Legacy Foundation is spearheading the recognition of 2025 as a milestone year, in partnership with the city of Darwin.
Back to School with the ISD 423 Foundation
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.
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.
