Farmland Giving

Keep It Growing^SM farmland giving is a tool for retaining one of southwest Minnesota’s greatest assets — farmland. Through our program, landowners can donate land as part of their succession plan. Most nonprofits sell the land as soon as possible, but we are known for a retention model that benefits all involved and keeps crops growing on the land. 

• Landowners receive either an income tax deduction or an estate tax deduction, depending on the timing of the gift. They also bypass capital gains taxes. Some gift options even create a stable revenue source during their lifetime. Finally, landowners support causes and organizations important to them that receive rental income generated from the land. 
• Local tenants continue renting the land, stewarding it and retaining local wealth. 
• County maintains its tax base, as Southwest Initiative Foundation retains ownership of the land and continues paying property taxes. 
• Southwest Minnesota communities and organizations receive rental income and use it to meet pressing needs. 

Southwest Initiative Foundation has facilitated several farmland gifts through Keep It Growing℠ and today owns 1,700 acres outright. The revenue generated supports grantmaking and programming in Southwest Minnesota. 

Lincoln County Farmland Giving Back 

With help from their estate planning attorney, Neil and his wife, Jenna, created a plan that will keep the family farm’s 145 acres in production after they’re gone through our Keep It Growing^SM farmland giving program. Rental income from the farmland in rural Lincoln County will go to nonprofits that have been important in Neil’s life, including a program that supports agriculture education in Minnesota public schools. How fitting.