New Grant Rounds Create New Possibilities

By Tim Penny

President & CEO

Southern Minnesota

Initiative Foundation

Each February, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) opens the year with new possibilities for grant seekers. Since 1986, we have watched as $58,745,984 in grants turned into community vitality projects, accessible literature for young children, early care and education services, local economic opportunities and more across our 20-county region. These grants are more than dollars, they are the building blocks for long-term vitality. Two grants are open now with more to come.

The Early Literacy Grant is currently accepting applications. By putting books in the hands of families, the program aims to enhance school readiness for children from birth to age eight. Last year, SMIF awarded 19,040 children’s books to 53 organizations. St. Charles Early Learning used their books to support the launch of their Itty Bitty Book Club, part of their Early Childhood Family Education summer programming; Tri-Valley Opportunity Council in Elgin was awarded Spanish books to give to infants and young toddlers in their primary language during their first month at the center; and Butterfield-Odin School distributed books to families in their area that do not have books of their own to read and enjoy at home. Capstone and ABDO, publishing companies based in North Mankato, continue to partner with SMIF to provide a diverse selection of books for families. Applications are due March 10, 2025. Contact Heidi Coulter, Early Childhood project manager, at heidic@smifoundation.org with questions.

Paint, brushes and a can-do crew can go a long way to celebrate a community. The Paint the Town Grant is open and ready to provide supplies for town revitalization projects. Last year, SMIF awarded 256 gallons of paint to small towns. Farmamerica in Waseca spruced up a 1930s dairy farmyard in time to house two very special birds – the 2024 presidential turkeys, Peach and Blossom; Spring Grove Public Schools and Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center brightened their communities with murals; and the Mantorville Restoration Association restored the windows and decks of their Opera House. Providing paint for towns under 10,000 people allows them to make a visual impact and create a sense of community through volunteer participation. Projects for this grant include community murals, community welcome signs, historic structures or public art. The grant may also be used to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations. Applications are due March 31, 2025. Contact Sarah Scheffert, communications and community vitality specialist, at sarahs@smifoundation.org with questions.

More grant opportunities will open this year. In the spring, we will open the Taylor Rural Child Care Grants which supports child care needs in small towns of 10,000 or less. During the summer, we will open up the Small Town Grant program which also supports communities with populations of 10,000 or less with projects that impact the culture, education, economy and social aspects of the town. In the fall, the Early Care and Education Grants will open, which support important services for children birth to age five. Around the same time, the Economic Development Grants will open, which support initiatives to create more prosperous local economies. To learn more about these grants, visit smifoundation.org/grants.

I am always astounded by the impact grant awardees make in their communities. It is through hard work and access to resources that our region can reach new heights in early learning, economic development and community vitality. I can’t wait to see how people will utilize our grants this year.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at timp@smifoundation.org or 507-455-3215.

About Tim Penny

Tim Penny is the president & CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. Tim represented Minnesota’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1982 – 1994.

About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in south central and southeastern Minnesota, serving a region that includes 20 counties, 175 communities and one Native nation. The Foundation has provided more than $170 million in grants, loans and programming within the region during the past 39 years. SMIF’s key interests include entrepreneurship, Early Childhood development and community vitality. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.smifoundation.org.