AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative

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.

OWATONNA, Minn., September 8, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for [...]

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.

OWATONNA, Minn., August 12, 2026 — The Rural Voice town hall series, designed to elevate conversations from [...]

Photo: Members of Uniting Cultures/Uniendo Culturas, Small Town Grant awardee. Read their story. OWATONNA, [...]

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.

OWATONNA, Minn., July 22, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for [...]

Pictured from left to right: West Central Initiative President Anna Wasescha, Northland Foundation President [...]

The Mitchel Perrizo Jr. Leaders are Readers Fund, a designated fund under SMIF, recently awarded $45,000 to three school districts.

OWATONNA, Minn., June 29, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Economic Development Grant program. Requests of up [...]

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.

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 recently awarded 26,797 children’s books to 75 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program, impacting 31,543 children in its 20-county region.

Through a partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust and its Community Responsive Fund, SMIF will award $1,125,000 in grants. Applications are due June 5.

Forty years ago, SMIF recognized that access to capital was essential for growing skills into businesses and strengthening communities.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved five grants totaling $25,000 for projects that support youth mental health in rural Minnesota.

We should talk about child care the way we talk about roads, broadband and housing: as essential infrastructure for vibrant rural economies.

SMIF, in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. Applications are due to SMIF by March 17, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Forty years ago in a time of crisis, Minnesota chose to work together. They made immediate sacrifices in service of future generations they would never meet.

SMIF recently approved six grants totaling $99,865 to support economic development initiatives in SMIF’s 20-county region.

SMIF recently approved $300,000 to support 14 capital projects in small towns under 10,000 through the Taylor Rural Improvements Grant.

When we are neighborly, the world opens up. This deepened understanding makes us attentive to the specific needs of those around us.

My mother was 41 years old when she celebrated her first Thanksgiving in America. That year, she not only made a turkey for our family — she made six.

Here in southern Minnesota, we see this truth play out every day. Our small towns are not just dots on a map; they are ecosystems of relationship.

With the Department of Employment and Economic Development, SMIF will award $1.3 million in grants to businesses in Southern Minnesota.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Early Care and Education Grant program. Apply by November 5.

At SMIF, we have the privilege of working directly with hundreds of child care providers and other Early Childhood professionals across our 20 counties.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications for Taylor Rural Improvements Grant. Applications are due October 15.

Rural Voice, the statewide town hall series, will host a town hall discussion in Owatonna at Mineral Springs Brewery on Monday, September 29.

Last month, I took to the road alongside my predecessor, Tim Penny. From all of these travels, three things were made absolutely clear to me.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications for Economic Development Grants. Applications are due October 10.

The Mitchel Perrizo Jr. Leaders are Readers Fund, a designated fund under SMIF, recently awarded $45,000 to three school districts.

This summer, I celebrated our nation’s birthday in Harmony. Throughout the many festivities, one constant kept catching my eye: parade buttons.

SMIF is currently accepting applications for the Small Town Grant program. Applications are due August 28.

SMIF's four new Board Trustees join us from Blue Earth, Waseca, Harmony and Albert Lea.

In light of the recent acts of violence that have shaken our state, I’ve found myself reflecting on what it means to truly listen.

After 18 years of sharing stories with southern Minnesota readers, this is my last op-ed as President and CEO of SMIF.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awards 34,639 children’s books to 73 organizations through Early Literacy Grant Program.

SMIF awarded 359.25 gallons of paint to 13 communities across its 20-county region through its Paint the Town Grant Program.

"Benya represents not just the future of SMIF, but the future of rural philanthropy across Minnesota and beyond."

At SMIF we look forward to planting the seeds of lasting impact at Sprout, our annual spring event, and through Acres for Good, our farmland succession program.

Through a partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust and its Community Responsive Fund, SMIF will award $780,000 in grants. Applications are due May 6.

One of the things I have enjoyed most about my 18-year tenure as president and CEO of SMIF is visiting with entrepreneurs when I travel across our region.

Each February, SMIF opens the year with new possibilities for grant seekers. Two grants are open now with more to come.

SMIF is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products through their Paint the Town Grant program. Applications are due March 31.

SMIF, in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. Applications are due March 10, 2025 at 3 p.m.

What does it mean to belong to a place? At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we know that having a sense of belonging is not merely a sentiment.

Despite the holiday rush at the close of the year, I like to pause and reflect on the work of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).

IgniteMN, in collaboration with SMIF, is proud to announce the 10th Annual Ignite Cup, a pitch competition for entrepreneurs in southeast Minnesota.

November brings with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving.

SMIF recently approved 17 grants totaling $300,000 to support rural improvements and child care needs in small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region.

The four organizations that received the Inclusive and Equitable Entrepreneurial Communities Grant provide direct resources and services to start and expand business opportunities within traditionally underserved populations in our region.

At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) we seek to be the key that unlocks equitable development in the small towns of our 20-county region.

As we enter this season of abundance, it's clear that supporting local food producers not only strengthens our communities but also sustains the heart of our regional economy.

SMIF is currently accepting applications for its Early Care and Education Grant program. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered.

SMIF provides convenient, accessible education close to home for entrepreneurs, early childhood professionals and Community Foundation board members. We’re excited to offer valuable opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge across our region this fall.

The Rural Voice series, developed by the Minnesota Initiative Foundations that serve Greater Minnesota, will launch its third season at the Minnesota State Fair and host three additional town halls moderated by Minnesota Public Radio’s Kerri Miller in September.

Over the past 38 years, SMIF’s grants have contributed to welcoming communities, early learning and economic development. I can’t wait to see how organizations use the grants available this summer to make our region an even better place to call home.

The Small Town Grant Program invests in initiatives which improve the way a community works together and creates a sense of belonging.

Earlier this month we distributed 19,040 books through the Early Literacy Grant program. As we continue to invest in early literacy, we hope to see an increase in reading proficiency among children in southern Minnesota.

The purpose of this grant program is to support organizations which are providing direct resources and services to start and expand business opportunities within diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations in southern Minnesota. Apply by August 5.

At SMIF we know that supporting the small towns in our 20-county region is crucial for fostering equitable development and ensuring that all our communities have the same chance to thrive.

SMIF recently awarded 19,040 children’s books to 53 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program. This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books.

SMIF recently awarded 256 gallons of paint to 10 communities across its 20-county region through its Paint the Town Grant program.

SMIF is here to help you create your own ongoing legacy. Even a gift of a few acres can make a big difference for the future of your community or a cause that is dear to your heart.

This year’s FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow was the biggest in the FEAST! Network’s 10-year history. The industry-only event showcased the achievements of makers as well as retailers.

It is through partnering with other funders and organizations that we have been able to make transformative change in southern Minnesota.

With the Department of Employment and Economic Development, SMIF will award $1.1 million in grants to businesses in Southern Minnesota.

Through the Otto Bremer Trust and its Community Responsive Fund, SMIF will award $750,000 in grants to organizations in southern Minnesota.

SMIF has invested $56.9 million in grants in our 20-county region. While these grants support a wide range of projects – from providing books to young children to supporting small town growth – they each have had a transformative and long-term impact on the future of southern Minnesota.

SMIF is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art projects.

SMIF, in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. Applications are due March 5, 2024 at 3 p.m.

The Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant supports projects which grow racial diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities in the area of entrepreneurship for southern Minnesota.

Imagine that your community needs funding to build a trail system which will draw tourism to the area. Or perhaps your town needs better broadband access, or a housing plan. The CEDS is an important tool that can help you achieve your goal.

These projects will support early care and education services for more than 7,190 young children in SMIF’s 20-county region.

FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow returns to the Grand O2 Event Center in Cannon Falls, Minn., Thursday March 21, 2024. The exclusive local foods event convenes wholesale buyers and food makers to enhance local food systems, build more resilient communities and offer consumers more local fare options.

As the holiday season winds down and we start to look ahead to the new year, I always like to take this time to reflect on, and celebrate, the accomplishments from this past year. Here are my top ten favorite things that happened in 2023.

By 2030, over $7 billion in wealth is expected to transfer. With this seismic shift, “keeping local wealth local” is as important as ever. When a donor gives to SMIF, a Community Foundation, or other neighborhood non-profits, their dollars stay in their communities, making a huge difference close to home.

Whether you move here to start a business, or are an entrepreneur already living in southern Minnesota, SMIF is here to play a supporting role. Entrepreneurs are going to keep our corner of the state vibrant – they will create the jobs of the future. Personally, there is no place I would rather be than in rural Minnesota.

This year's FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace marks a decade of bringing the best in local food to Rochester. The nonprofit festival showcases everything from cheese to chocolate, all under one roof, Saturday, Nov. 4, 10am-4pm at the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, Minn.

The REV program helps rural communities create more vibrant economies by finding and supporting local entrepreneurs - from business startups to existing businesses that want to grow.

At SMIF, we offer several grant opportunities to support inclusive initiatives in the communities of our 20-county region to help make everyone feel welcome.

At SMIF, we know that providing high-quality, affordable trainings close to home is critical for the growth of our region – ensuring that southern Minnesota professionals and volunteers remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. We are currently gearing up for fall training events which will be beneficial to many in our region.

SMIF is currently accepting applications for its Early Care and Education Grant program. This program will help fund early care and education services for children birth to age five. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered.

As we continue to invest in early literacy initiatives, we hope to witness a rise in reading proficiencies across southern Minnesota.

Community Foundations provide a platform for individuals, families and businesses to make meaningful contributions that directly impact their communities.

Award recipients were provided with a selection of titles donated by the publishing companies, including bilingual- and early childhood-appropriate books.

SMIF, in partnership with Collider, is currently seeking applications from entrepreneurs for CO.STARTERS, the first stage of SMIF's Prosperity Initiative program. Entrepreneurs who identify as BIPOC, and underserved individuals, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by July 11, 2023.

A designated fund under SMIF recently awarded $45,000 to three school districts in Faribault and Blue Earth Counties to support early literacy initiatives.

SMIF recently awarded 269 gallons of paint from local hardware stores to 11 communities across its 20-county region through its Paint the Town Grant Program.

SMIF has two programs that support communities under 10,000 which are currently seeking applications.

SMIF is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grant program. Towns with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible. Apply by June 26, 2023.

Nine entrepreneurs have joined this program which provides free coaching and training to entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC), and underserved individuals.

Through the Acres for Good program, farmers have a way to leave a legacy that will make a huge difference in the future of southern Minnesota – and doing it all without having your family farm sold.

March is Women’s History Month, which is both a time to look back at the incredible accomplishments of women in the history of our country, but also a time to celebrate women who are doing amazing things today.

SMIF, in partnership with regional hardware stores, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign or historic structure projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. Applications are due April 17.

This year at SMIF, we will reach a milestone of investing more than $50 million in our communities through grantmaking since our start in 1986.

SMIF is currently seeking applications from early-stage and established businesses to join The Prosperity Initiative. BIPOC and underserved entrepreneurs may apply for the upcoming cohort by March 20 or join on a rolling basis.

This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Apply by March 15.

We are pleased that the Inclusive and Equitable Community Grant continues to support organizations working on inclusivity and economic equity in southern Minnesota communities.

At SMIF we have much to celebrate and many partners to thank. We look forward to working with our regional partners again in 2023 to continue investing in the vitality of our southern Minnesota region.

In this season of giving and gratitude, I am inspired by how generously the people in our region show up to give back to their communities.

SMIF helps entrepreneurs, early childhood professionals and communities identify the best solutions to many of the challenges they may be facing. We are also fortunate to have a broad network of partners and resources at our fingertips that we can tap into and help people get on a path for growth.

The start of the school year in conjunction with Welcoming Week, a national series of inclusive events, has me thinking about two things: how to ensure children and families’ needs are being addressed this school year, and how to enhance welcoming initiatives in our communities.

This program will help fund early care and education services for children birth to age five. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered.

Eligible organizations are invited to submit applications which allow their communities to build inclusive, welcoming environments and advance equitable opportunities in the lives of all people. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered.