Small Town Grant Spotlight: City of Kenyon
City of Kenyon uses a SMIF Small Town Grant to add two picnic shelters to park with help from volunteers.
Pedaling Toward Inclusion
A Great Day Farm used a Small Town Grant to launch a more coordinated and sustainable approach to adaptive cycling in the Dundas and Northfield areas.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $200,000 in Small Town Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 23 grants totaling $200,000 to support small towns of 10,000 or less.
Small Town Grant Spotlight: Montgomery Arts and Heritage Center
In 2024, the Montgomery Arts and Heritage Center was awarded a $10,000 Small Town Grant to create a walking tour along their main street.
Small Town Grant Spotlight: Ellendale Area Heritage Society
In 2023, the Ellendale Area Heritage Society was awarded a $10,000 Small Town Grant from SMIF to create an aluminum mural featuring the history of their town.
Small Town Grant Spotlight: City of New Prague
In 2023, the City of New Prague was awarded a $6,630.75 Small Town Grant from SMIF to enhance their Southside Park disc golf course.
Welcome Home
Blue Earth has made it its mission to be a welcoming community. Initially offering welcome baskets to new homeowners, the community has expanded its efforts to include a Day of the Dead festival, translation projects and other initiatives designed to help everyone feel a sense of belonging.
How to Leave a Legacy for Small Towns
Scott Johnson and his sisters, Amy and Paula, believe that in order for communities to thrive, you have to maintain a sense of belonging for people. By continuing their late father's legacy, they are supporting small town growth and vibrancy.
SMIF awards $200,000 in Small Town Grants
SMIF recently approved 25 grants totaling $200,000 to support small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region.
Small Town Grant Spotlight: Friends of Peterson
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded a $10,000 Small Town Grant to the Friends of Peterson in 2022. They wanted to create a bare foot trail for people to walk and use as a sensory path for community members and visitors alike.
