Our History

The Southwest Initiative Foundation was established in 1986 ago by The McKnight Foundation in response to the economic crisis of the 1980s.  Greater Minnesota was struggling to survive and McKnight was one of the first to take notice and take action.  They created six Minnesota Initiative Foundations to deliver an economic counterpunch and become leaders of Minnesota’s rural resurgence.

Today, the Southwest Initiative Foundation has become an independent rural regional community foundation and a permanent, trusted resource.  Guided by a highly committed volunteer Board of Directors, and a professional staff, the Foundation is better poised than ever to help local people and communities build a region of prosperity, growth and opportunity.

For more information about our work on over the course of our history, view our 20-Year Anniversary Online Annual Report by clicking on the banner below.  Be sure to check out the interactive timeline!