SMIF seeks applications for three grants
OWATONNA, Minn., September 8, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for three grants: Early Care and Education [...]
Benya Kraus – The infrastructure behind rural neighborliness
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.
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 across Greater Minnesota, returns for [...]
Trust for Civic Life awards $400,000 to SMIF
Photo: Members of Uniting Cultures/Uniendo Culturas, Small Town Grant awardee. Read their story. OWATONNA, Minn., August 5, 2026 — [...]
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.
SMIF seeking applications for Small Town Grants
OWATONNA, Minn., July 22, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grant program. Towns, or [...]
McKnight grants $6 million to Minnesota Initiative Foundations
Pictured from left to right: West Central Initiative President Anna Wasescha, Northland Foundation President & CEO Tony Sertich, Initiative [...]
Loan Client Spotlight: Tone Music
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation gave a Small Enterprise Loan to Dr. Amanda Bohn in 2024 to support her practice, Personal Hearing Care, in St. Peter.
The Mitchel Perrizo Jr. Leaders are Readers Fund awards $45,000 to support early literacy
The Mitchel Perrizo Jr. Leaders are Readers Fund, a designated fund under SMIF, recently awarded $45,000 to three school districts.
SMIF seeks applications for Economic Development Grants
OWATONNA, Minn., June 29, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Economic Development Grant program. Requests of up to $10,000 will be considered. [...]
