Southwest Initiative Foundation

08/29/2026

💓For the Love of Rural: Madison Mercantile💓

Kris Shelstad envisioned a space in Madison where her community could gather, create, and connect. She brought that vision to life with The Madison Art and Innovation Center. It serves as a vibrant hub for coffee, live music, local businesses, events, youth activities, and more. Kris says SWIF's support helped make her social enterprise what it is today, a growing force for good in her rural community.

Kris Shelstad envisioned a space in Madison where her community could gather, create, and connect. She brought that vision to life with The Madison Art and Innovation Center. It serves as a vibrant hub for coffee, live music, local businesses, events, youth activities, and more. Kris says SWIF's sup...

08/29/2026

Strong committees don't happen by accident, and neither do strong leaders.

At our latest Growing Local: Emerging Leaders session, participants explored what it takes to build effective committees and navigate conflict in productive ways.

We were also grateful to have Carla Heyl, board member of the Pipestone Area Community Foundation, share her leadership journey and reflections on serving her community. Her experiences offered insight into the rewards and realities of community leadership.

Learn more about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders: https://swifoundation.org/resilient-communities/growing-local-emerging-leaders/

UMN Extension Community Development

08/27/2026

Join us at Rural Voice on Sept. 8 at The Upper Room Marshall.

This year’s conversation will focus on an issue we hear about throughout Southwest Minnesota: housing and its connection to our region’s ability to attract and retain workers. Moderated by Minnesota Public Radio 's Kerri Miller, the discussion will bring together local voices to talk about the challenges we’re facing and, importantly, the ideas and solutions emerging from rural communities.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with food and a cash bar available. The town hall begins at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. We hope you’ll join us—and help us spread the word.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/housing-a-town-hall-with-rural-voice-moderated-by-mprs-kerri-miller-tickets-1996062774491

08/26/2026

We were on the road last week continuing our 40th anniversary celebrations! 🚘🎉

Stops included Round Lake Vineyards outside Round Lake, WildFlowers Coffee Boutique in Luverne, Stonehouse & Quarry Lounge in Pipestone, and Painted Prairie Vineyard outside Currie. We are grateful to the amazing small business owners who hosted us and to new and old friends who stopped to say hello!

It's hard to believe that next month we'll be hosting our final three events. If you haven't made it to one of the celebrations yet, please join us. Find details and RSVP: https://swifoundation.org/events/

08/25/2026

📢Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders: It's time to Rally Southwest Minnesota to build a competitive advantage for our region!

On September 29 in Marshall, Mark C. Perna will bridge education, workforce, and economic development to rally every industry stakeholder so that we can collaborate to drive economic prosperity in our communities and throughout Southwest Minnesota.

Find more event details and register today: https://swifoundation.org/rally/

08/21/2026

On National Senior Citizens Day, we celebrate older adults who continue to shape, strengthen, and lead the communities they call home.

Across Southwest Minnesota, older adults are serving as changemakers through the Age Friendly Communities program. By sharing their ideas, identifying local needs and helping lead community projects, they are creating lasting improvements that benefit neighbors of all ages. Communities in the program engage residents to identify priorities and implement solutions that make their towns more welcoming, connected, and vibrant.

From improving public spaces to expanding opportunities for social connection and intergenerational engagement, these efforts demonstrate the power of local leadership and community-driven change.

This , we thank the older adults who continue to invest their time, experience, and vision in making southwest Minnesota stronger.

Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

📷Pictures from recent projects in Atwater, Grove City, and Ortonville

08/19/2026

A community pool is more than a place to swim. It's where kids build confidence, teens get their first jobs, families gather, and summer memories are made.

We're excited to see the impact of this investment in Lamberton and grateful for the many partners and donors who helped bring it across the finish line! And a special shoutout to our affiliate partner, the Lamberton Area Community Foundation 🎉

🎉 It's official! The Lamberton Pool Committee received a $30,000 grant for pool improvements from the Lamberton Area Community Foundation. Foundation Chair Brian Kletscher presented the check to Pool Manager Mindi Hesse.

The Lamberton Lions Club donated $10,000 and the Foundation challenged the community to match it. Area residents and businesses answered with $20,000, doubling the challenge.

🏊 The outstanding response came down to the value area residents place on the local pool, and the way everyone pulled together to get the word out and give generously.

💙 Thank you to all the individuals, families, businesses, and the Lamberton Lions Club whose gifts help keep the pool open, and to every swimmer, parent, and supporter who made this season a success.

Read the full story at https://lambertonareafoundation.org/lamberton-area-community-foundation-presents-30000-grant-for-pool-improvements/. While you're there, sign up for our newsletter to hear about upcoming events and grant awards.

Lamberton Swimming Pool Committee
Lamberton Lions Club

08/18/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a meaningful time to plan for what matters most. Through our partnership with FreeWill, you can get peace of mind and leave a lasting legacy in just 20 minutes.

💻Visit swifoundation.org/writemyfreewill to write your legal will at no personal cost.

Questions? Contact Stacy Frost, Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications, at [email protected] or (320) 583-0094.

➡Do you already have a will? Share this information with someone you love who still needs to do their planning.

08/17/2026

It's fair season! We visited the Rock County Fair in July to hand out lunch on "day care day." We're happy to sponsor this free meal for kiddos visiting the fair. Meghan and Marie enjoyed some fair fun and stopped to see "Verne" on the way home.