Together we thrive in southwest Minnesota
For nearly 40 years, we’ve been listening to what matters most to southwest Minnesota. Through giving, economic development and community impact, we’re becoming a region where all people thrive.
We are a community of people who are passionate about making a difference in southwest Minnesota.
We are driven to innovate and find new ways to solve problems. We are generous with our time, our resources and our knowledge. And we are committed to building a vibrant region where everyone feels like they belong.
$53.9 million
in grants
$59.8 million
in loans
Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
Southwest Initiative Foundation has been selected by the Otto Bremer Trust as a philanthropic partner to award funds through its new Community Responsive Fund. SWIF will work closely with OBT to award $400,000 in grants of up to $75,000 each to support local organizations that directly respond to immediate challenges and opportunities in the community. The grant application deadline is 5 p.m. on April 19, 2024.
Jackson Snow Angels remove snow, spread kindness
No act of kindness is ever wasted. Paul Spence lives by those words, and it’s the motto for a local nonprofit he helped create called the Jackson Snow Angels that clears snow for older adults for free. It’s a group effort among retirees, business owners, students and public health. In January, the Snow Angels received a grant from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund at Southwest Initiative Foundation to help purchase a tractor.
Keep Reading Jackson Snow Angels remove snow, spread kindness
Concrete Joe Construction
Joe DeVlaeminck is building his own business on the foundation of the former Tom Bofferding Construction company, which he purchased last year. Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program helped DeVlaeminck complete the purchase and launch Concrete Joe Construction, specializing in residential concrete work, from putting up foundation walls to flat work such as driveways, sidewalks and stamped slabs.
Our work can look different from one program, partnership or place to another. Our values guide our work and ensure we bring the same care and commitment everywhere we show up.