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...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $192,500 in COVID-19 Response Grants to small towns
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 22 grants through its Small Town Grant: COVID-19 Response program totaling $192,500 to support towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Small Town Grant program was launched in 2017 to support smaller communities which often lack sufficient financial resources to help them grow and address … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), is currently accepting applications for its Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grant program. This special grant program will help fund early care and education wrap around services for children birth to age eight from underserved populations impacted by the … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) and SE MN Together, is currently accepting applications for its Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant program. Nonprofit organizations, units of government or public institutions in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $20,000 will be … [Read more...]
Continuing our work during challenging times
By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation In January I wrote about the importance of having an endowment so that at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we can continue to address the emerging needs of our 20-county region through thick and thin. Little did I know at the time how critical this would be for our organization within … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores offer free paint for community projects
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with 12 local Ace Hardware stores, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, or historic structure projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a population under 10,000 throughout … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Early Literacy Grants Applications due April 6
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for the Early Literacy Grant Program. This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age five by providing children with books. Organizations working with these children in SMIF’s … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for child care start-up and expansion projects
OWATONNA, MN, December 3, 2019 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is currently accepting applications to support child care start-up and expansion projects. Child care centers and family child care programs in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $48,800 in Small Town Grants
OWATONNA, MN, October 14, 2019 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved six grants totaling $48,800 to support small towns of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Small Town Grant Program seeks to build sustainable and vibrant communities by engaging community members, enhancing existing leadership and creating opportunities for new … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Economic Impact Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Economic Impact Grant Program. Nonprofit organizations, units of government or public institutions in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered. “At SMIF, we strongly believe that communities which invest in their people are ultimately … [Read more...]