What We Do
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota – this includes 175 communities and one Native nation. SMIF’s key interests include entrepreneurship, early childhood development and community vitality. SMIF has invested over $178 million in the region since 1986.
What People are Saying
“I believe what matters most in our lives is the difference we make in the lives of others. A pay it forward attitude makes a difference now and in the generations to come.”
– Vicky Tribon, Harmony Area Community Foundation
News Feed
Rural Voice’s Fifth Season Tackles Some of Rural Minnesota’s Biggest Issues
OWATONNA, Minn., August 12, 2026 — The Rural Voice town hall series, designed to elevate conversations from [...]
Trust for Civic Life awards $400,000 to SMIF
Photo: Members of Uniting Cultures/Uniendo Culturas, Small Town Grant awardee. Read their story. OWATONNA, [...]
Benya Kraus – Belonging and ownership
We know that making a decision on the future of one’s farmland is a deeply personal one. At SMIF, we offer a pathway to retaining that legacy through our Acres for Good program.
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