Southwest Initiative Foundation

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

Our Focus Forward: Nonprofit Office Days series is designed to give nonprofit professionals regular access to expert support, practical tools, and peer connection.

The next opportunity will be right here at our office:

Technical Assistance Day in Hutchinson

Thursday, June 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Get a one-on-one consultation with Propel Nonprofits tailored to what you need. Spots are limited and available by appointment. Each session is 45 minutes.

Get more info and book your spot: swifoundation.org/focusforward

06/05/2026

Kick off the series with us on June 16! 🌟

Our first session in the Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series sets the stage for how creativity can spark new energy in rural communities. With Department of Public Transformation, we'll dig into practical ideas for activating spaces, building partnerships, and using local assets in fresh, innovative ways. Whether you’re part of economic development, tourism, a chamber, or simply passionate about your community’s future, this session is a great place to start.

Come ready to connect, share ideas, and leave with inspiration you can put into action right away.

📅 First session: June 16
🔗 Learn more and register: www.publictransformation.org/events/ced-summer-workshop

Let’s build momentum together this summer!

Strengthening rural economies through creativity and connection 💡

Creative strategies and partnerships are powerful tools for economic development in rural communities. You are invited to join us for a three-part Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series designed for economic development professionals, chamber leaders, tourism staff, and community champions in Southwest Minnesota. Offered in partnership with Department of Public Transformation, this workshop series invites rural community leaders to explore how creativity can strengthen local economies, activate spaces, and build more vibrant, connected communities.

See more information and register for the three-part series at www.publictransformation.org/events/ced-summer-workshop

06/03/2026

🎉Introducing the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders!

Makayla Ebbers, Worthington
Leslie Gens, Slayton
Kelsey Hedlof, Spicer
Kiona Hermanson, Dawson
Brittney Hodge, Belview
Kyle Hoffman, Hutchinson
Lindsey Houston, Westbrook
Antonio Ledbetter, Marshall
Abdifatah Mohamed, Willmar
Medardo Moreno Castellón, Brewster
Harley Pfarr, Fairfax
Iztlacihuatl Ramirez, Worthington
Charity Rudnick, Benson
Michelle Vazquez, Willmar
Jordan Walter, Worthington

Read more about these emerging leaders at swifoundation.org/meet-the-2026-growing-local-emerging-leaders/

📷 First session of 2026, at The YES House

06/03/2026

The party is just getting started! 🎉 We have four new stops on our 40th anniversary tour this month:

📍June 23 - Swift County, Benson Bakery
📍June 23 - Big Stone County, Lakewood Supperclub
📍June 24 - Chippewa County, Talking Waters Brewing Company
📍June 25 - Lac qui Parle County, Gnometown Grounds

RSVPs are requested to help us plan: https://swifoundation.org/events/

Questions? Call Meghan at 320-326-8984.

05/31/2026

As comes to a close, the work of supporting aging well continues, in towns of every size.

Through the Age Friendly Communities program, foundation dollars have helped 25 small towns take concrete steps to improve accessibility, create gathering places, and design spaces that work for all ages.

From safer sidewalks to accessible community centers, these locally led projects strengthen entire communities. Thanks to our partner in this work, the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc.!

Older adults are essential to the fabric of southwest Minnesota. Investing in age‑friendly communities helps everyone thrive—this month and all year long.

05/30/2026

At our nonprofit conference in April, two attendees had the opportunity to direct $1,000 grants to local organizations making a difference right here in Southwest Minnesota.

From supporting inclusive opportunities and expanding access for individuals of all abilities through equine-assisted activities and programs to fueling creative community spaces, these grants are already creating a ripple effect by strengthening connection, opportunity, and belonging across our region.

👉 Read the full story: https://swifoundation.org/a-ripple-of-generosity-two-conference-attendees-direct-grants-to-southwest-minnesota-nonprofits/

📷Equul Access, Inc.
📷Madison Mercantile

05/30/2026

Let's grab coffee! ☕️

The Gathering Grounds in Buffalo Lake is a new nonprofit, volunteer-run coffee shop led by Zion Lutheran Church. It opened this month to welcome neighbors for coffee, conversation, and connection. The project was made possible in part by a grant from our Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund.

05/29/2026

📸More fun photos from last week's 40th anniversary events in Kandiyohi County, Meeker County, McLeod County, and Renville County

Don't miss out on the fun! Join us at an upcoming event: https://swifoundation.org/events/

05/28/2026

We got new signs! Ours were in need of an update after a long and useful life. Swing by the office to check them out, and stop in to say hi while you’re here.