By Tim Penny - President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation This time of year is traditionally a time of giving. Minnesotans in particular are known for their charitable contributions – a fact that was solidified recently during Give to the Max Day when Minnesotans set a record by giving more than $30 million to local schools and nonprofits. In addition to November … [Read more...]
Building connections for a stronger southern Minnesota
President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Autumn, with its changing colors and temperatures that encourage us to move indoors, is a natural time to slow down and contemplate life. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we use this time each year to reflect on the partnerships that have resulted in a stronger southern Minnesota. We do this by … [Read more...]
Quality trainings for personal and professional growth
In this new virtual world we find ourselves in, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of online events, gatherings and trainings that are being offered on a seemingly daily basis. However, connecting virtually has its benefits and can open doors to exploring new ways of learning and building relationships. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), offering … [Read more...]
A rural perspective
“Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” I grew up in the 1960s inspired by these words from the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Yet, I am heartsick that today, over 50 years later, racial injustice continues to be a stain on our national character and a strain on our national unity. Recent tragedies have highlighted how far we have yet to travel … [Read more...]
Supporting our smallest communities
Central to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) current strategic plan is a strengthened commitment to look ahead at the future of rural Minnesota. While we continue to make our programming and resources accessible to communities of all sizes in our 20-county region, we know that many of our smaller towns lack sufficient financial resources to help them grow and … [Read more...]
Growing season
Growing up near Kiester, my family had beautiful vegetable gardens. Between my mom, my aunt and grandfather, we grew tomatoes, carrots, onions, rhubarb, potatoes – pretty much anything you can think of that could end up as a meal on our plates. Every spring, summer and fall, the garden and its cycles of growth and nourishment was a constant presence in our lives, regardless of … [Read more...]
From farm crisis to coronavirus crisis: a message of hope for southern Minnesota
In 1986, an economic crisis had shaken Greater Minnesota. Farms across the state faced bankruptcy and rural communities suffered. Accordingly, young people were leaving the small towns that had nurtured them in search of opportunities elsewhere. These developments created uncertainty about the future of rural Minnesota. In the midst of that “farm crisis” the urban-based … [Read more...]
Celebrating 25 Years of National Service
One of my proudest moments as a congressman was voting to support the creation of the national AmeriCorps program 25 years ago. Little did I know at the time how central this program would become to our culture of volunteerism and giving back to our communities. Even more surprising, and delightful, to me is the fact that I am now president of an organization that has stewarded … [Read more...]
A campaign for southern Minnesota
At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we are proud of our ability to adapt and address the needs in our region. We know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to economic development, early childhood and community vitality. But, responding to the needs of southern Minnesota depends on the longevity and financial stability of our organization. Through our … [Read more...]
Impactful stories of 2019
With 2020 just days away, I am reflecting on Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) many accomplishments in the past year alongside our regional partners and collaborators. It was a year filled with incredible stories of people doing amazing things for this region. I am thankful that SMIF was able to play a role in moving this part of the state toward an exciting … [Read more...]