SMIFoundation

Too many students who are hands-on learners do not receive education options that move them into satisfying careers. For their well-being, and for the sake of businesses that need the active, problem-solving abilities of these young people, we are committed to establishing new learning and career opportunities.

The Foundation will support work that takes stock of industry-related learning opportunities as they now exist. We support conversation that draws in businesses, schools, youth and other vested groups to assess what is working and what is possible. We invest in projects that creatively approach a better link between school and work such as projects that promote mentorship and establish or improve school-to-work collaborations.

In the area of workforce development, we all succeed when:

• An increasingly diverse workforce has the skills needed to contribute


• More skilled workers are working


• We achieve sustainable economic growth

The Foundation strives for these results.

Tools for Community Growth

We work with communities and organizations that commit to collaboration. We support asset based, local work with these tools:

TOWN MEETING INITIATIVE
Our Town Meeting Initiative brings community members together to evaluate the assets of the community, set goals, and accomplish a project of choice. We provide facilitation, technical assistance, and up to $15,000 to assist asset based community development (ABCD) efforts that lead to economic growth and prosperity.

Click here to download an application.

INCENTIVE GRANTS
Grants launch programs, inspire collaboration, and move communities toward future investment. We provide up to $20,000 to support asset based collaborative projects or programs that support emerging business and workforce initiatives.

Click here to download an application.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
We provide networking opportunities and expertise to regional partners for programs and activities related to our focus areas.

CONVENINGS
We collaborate with regional partners to create small and large convenings that enhance awareness, increase knowledge, and produce results related to our focus areas. This expands perspectives, connections, and the scope of projects.

How to Apply

Incentive grant applications are reviewed twice annually, with submission deadlines on March 1 and September 1. Town Meeting Initiative communities are selected through a Request For Proposal (RFP) process. All opportunities are publicized well in advance of submission dates by e-mail, in community newspapers, and in the What’s New section of this website. For clarification on this area of focus or for more application details, call Elise Davis, 507.455.3215, or e-mail elised@smifoundation.org.

Click here to register for e-mail notification of grant opportunities.

For tips on writing a successful grant proposal, click here to access a guide prepared by Non-Profit Guides.