Community Foundation Spotlight: Mapleton Area Foundation
Jeff Annis, president of the Mapleton Area Foundation and mayor of Mapleton, shared how the foundation created in 1992 has impacted the town he grew up in.
Donor spotlight: Steve Donney
Steve Donney wears many hats in his small town of Harmony. He recently took the time to tell us about why he invests in the future of southern Minnesota.
Loan Client Spotlight: Tone Music
Mara Schack, SMIF loan client and owner of Tone Music in downtown Owatonna, shared her experience working with SMIF.
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.
Donor spotlight: Shawn Vogt Sween
Shawn is a native of Grand Meadow in Mower County. She obtained her law degree from Harvard Law School and returned to [...]
Early Literacy Grant Spotlight: Children’s Museum of Rochester
In 2024, SMIF awarded 500 children's books through its Early Literacy Grant Program to the Children's Museum of Rochester for its SPARK Summer Reading Program.
Donor Spotlight: Katie Godfrey Demmer
The longer I live in southern Minnesota, the more I understand how special and unique it is. There is a spirit of community care that is evident throughout the region.
Taylor Rural Improvements Grant Spotlight: City of Goodview
In 2024, the City of Goodview was awarded a $25,000 Taylor Rural Improvements Grant to make the beach area more welcoming for swimmers.
Meeting Community Needs
A Community Resource Bus in Sibley County is providing resources directly to underserved students, families, and community members.
Leading with Care
Melinda and Normel founded Trinity Homecare Services which provides in-home care to seniors and individuals with disabilities in Rochester and the surrounding area. Technical support from SMIF helped their business grow.
