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.
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.
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.
Becoming Rooted
Amidst the spread of buildings in Rochester, there are plots of land spread throughout the city that have become an oasis for many immigrants. What started as a way to grow food for their families has turned into a way to generate income and give back to others. Several SMIF grants have supported this entrepreneurial growth.
Feeling Valued
Running a child care business comes with its own set of unique challenges. For Brenda Novack, owner of Little Wonders Child Care in Waterville, the ability to connect with peers and advance her professional development through SMIF's Early Childhood trainings has helped her feel valued as a professional in this field.
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.
Unlocking child care solutions
Addressing the child care shortage requires many different community stakeholders working together. It also requires lifting up the child care center operators and in-home providers as the business owners that they are. Noelle Viktora shares how Albert Lea, and its child care center, has started developing real solutions to this challenge with the help of SMIF.
Unlocking local giving
For the residents of Wabasha and Kellogg, grants from their local Community Foundation have had a big impact on the quality of life in the small towns. From free pool passes to a new library addition, the Wabasha-Kellogg Area Community Foundation has made its mark as a center for local giving.
Unlocking a legacy
Nicole Griensewic, executive director at Region Nine Development Commission, proves that planning ahead can happen at any age. Nicole recently left a planned gift to SMIF in her will. "This region has invested a lot into me and helped me succeed. Leaving a gift to SMIF is my way of giving back."
