OWATONNA, Minn., September 8, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for three grants: Early Care and Education Grant, Taylor Rural Childcare Grant and Taylor Rural Improvements Grant. Communities in SMIF’s 20-county region, or the Prairie Island Indian Community, are eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state, federal and Tribal government are encouraged to apply.
The three grants that are accepting applications are:
Early Care and Education Grant
SMIF recognizes that high-quality early learning spaces prepare children to enter school ready to succeed, building the foundation for lifelong learning, and strengthening the long-term wellbeing and resilience of communities across our region. SMIF is seeking proposals of up to $20,000 that enhance the quality of early learning environments for children birth to age five. Project examples include equity-centered projects to increase access, educator professional development, curriculum and instructional quality, family partnership and homeschool connection and wellbeing and mental health.
For the application and guidelines, visit www.smifoundation.org/earlycaregrant. For questions, please contact Margaret Radel via email margaretr@smifoundation.org
Taylor Rural Childcare Grant
This funding opportunity seeks proposals of up to $30,000 for capital projects that can make a meaningful impact in towns with populations under 30,000 in SMIF’s region by addressing childcare capital improvement needs for providers caring for children birth to age five. Examples of projects include: renovation, repair or expansion of licensed facilities, health/safety upgrades, fixed equipment and furnishings required for expanded capacity, architectural/engineering plans, permits or project management directly tied to the capital project and minor site work necessary to support expanded capacity.
For the application and guidelines, visit smifoundation.org/taylor-rural-childcare-grant/. For questions, please contact Margaret Radel via email margaretr@smifoundation.org
Taylor Rural Improvements Grant
The Taylor Rural Improvements Grant seeks to support capital projects that can make a big impact in the vibrancy of small towns. SMIF offers up to $20,000 for capital projects in communities with populations under 10,000 that create or provide enhancements to community gathering spaces. Community spaces must be free and open to the public. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to: bandstands, library community rooms, community centers, pocket parks, alleyway beautification and seating, etc.
For the application and guidelines, visit smifoundation.org/taylorruralimprovements/. For questions, please contact Sarah Scheffert at sarahs@smifoundation.org.
“Rural communities thrive when people are connected — from gathering in shared spaces to providing quality care for their youngest members,” shared Benya Kraus, SMIF president and CEO. “That’s why SMIF is excited to offer three grants this fall to fund the projects and programs that will provide small towns with the means to make those meaningful connections. We are also grateful to Glen A. Taylor and the Taylor Family Farms Foundation for their continuous support of small towns.”
Applications for these grants are due to SMIF by Oct. 6, 2026. To determine which grant is right for you, view guidelines and apply, visit smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/.
