In 1991, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) help seed our first community foundation in Wanamingo as a way to increase local giving. Even though SMIF serves a 20-county area, we realize that people want to give hyper-locally. SMIF is now the umbrella organization for 26 community foundations and 37 designated funds in our 20 counties.
A big part of regional vitality comes from the vibrancy of our smallest communities; we believe that a key element of growing and sustaining places where people want to live, work and visit is having a strong community foundation. They promote philanthropy, foster community leadership, increase community development and give people a sense of ownership in the place they call home.
In SMIF’s region, Fillmore County is leading the way, with a total of six community foundations: Harmony Area Community Foundation, Lanesboro Area Community Foundation, Mabel Community Foundation, Rushford Community Foundation, Preston Area Community Foundation and Spring Valley Area Community Foundation. Cumulatively, they have granted more than $2.1 million across 700 grants to support community projects ranging from a school playground to scholarships. They’ve been proactive in leveraging SMIF’s resources to grow their funds and get people energized, and it shows.
In the months to come, your local foundations will be writing to you. Letting you know what they are doing and how you can make a difference in your community. Not only can you make a difference by leaving a contribution or making the community foundation part of your estate plan, they need your help to spread the word. Connect with the local board members and let them know your ideas for future projects or if you are interested in volunteering. Together, we can do great things.
I hope you will reach out to your local community foundation to learn about how they are impacting your life and those around you. And I urge you to consider leaving a contribution to continue the great work these dedicated volunteers are undertaking. Fillmore County is forever changed because of the generosity and dedication of its people.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at timp@smifoundation.org or (507) 455-3215.