23,000 nonprofit grants totaling $140 million. 3,600 business loans totaling $193 million. 40,000 quality jobs secured. The past 25 years have proven that Minnesota’s homegrown experiment in philanthropy actually worked.

The six Minnesota Initiative Foundations, including the Southwest Initiative Foundation, are celebrating a quarter century of partnerships and service to help Greater Minnesota communities thrive. The Minnesota Initiative Foundations were created as a philanthropic experiment by The McKnight Foundation in response to the drastic declines of the farming, logging, and mining industries in the late 1980s. The idea was to launch six independent “funds” directed by local leaders, who would direct a unique combination of grants, business loans, and staff assistance to projects that could stimulate and diversify the struggling rural economy.

“The Minnesota Initiative Foundations hit the ground running in 1986, and they haven’t slowed down. Every year, they forge dynamic new collaborations and help define the spirits of giving, of innovation, and of engagement that are hallmarks of our state. They stand collectively among The McKnight Foundation’s proudest and farthest reaching legacies — both for the progress they have made and for the promises they hold,” stated Kate Wolford, President of The McKnight Foundation.

Today, these six temporary funds have evolved into permanent foundations, with collective endowments of $191 million and business financing assets of $55 million. They work in Minnesota’s 80 Greater Minnesota counties to make each of their regions stronger and more prosperous. Each foundation’s priorities are decided by people in its own region, with grants and loans supporting economic development; leadership development; community building; children, youth, families, and older adults; environmental issues; workforce development, and more.

The Minnesota Initiative Foundations promote economic and community development; build the leadership and planning capacity of local communities; coordinate and leverage resources; and stimulate local giving throughout Greater Minnesota. Today, these organizations are recognized not only in Minnesota, but also across the nation for their significant accomplishments in building strong and sustainable rural communities.

On June 9 and 10, 2011, senior staff and Boards of Trustees representing all six Minnesota Initiative Foundations will gather at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota, for a retreat and silver anniversary celebration. The session is entitled, “Celebrating Our Collective Impact… Pursuing Future Opportunities.” Governor Mark Dayton will also proclaim Friday, June 10, 2011, as Minnesota Initiative Foundations Day.

The Minnesota Initiative Foundations were created in 1986 as a partnership between The McKnight Foundation and the citizens of Greater Minnesota. Set up as independent nonprofit philanthropic organizations with local boards of trustees, the six foundations are: the Northland Foundation in Duluth; the Northwest Minnesota Foundation located in Bemidji; West Central Initiative based in Fergus Falls; the Southwest Initiative Foundation in Hutchinson, the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls; and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation based in Owatonna. For more information about The Minnesota Initiative Foundations, please visit www.greaterminnesota.net.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $54 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 525 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,000 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Funding will support work in southwest Minnesota over next five years

The McKnight Foundation recently approved a grant to the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) totaling $6 million over the next five years to further the organization’s mission and impact in the region. In 25 years, The McKnight Foundation has contributed more than $40 million to SWIF, who has in turn leveraged those resources to contribute more than $54 million in southwest Minnesota.

As announced at SWIF’s 25th Anniversary Banquet May 20, The McKnight Foundation commends SWIF for its leadership, hard work and partnerships to serve the people of southwest Minnesota.

“The Minnesota Initiative Foundations hit the ground running in 1986, and they haven’t slowed down,” said Kate Wolford, President of The McKnight Foundation. “Every year, they forge dynamic new collaborations and help define the spirits of giving, of innovation, and of engagement that are hallmarks of our state. They stand collectively among The McKnight Foundation’s proudest and farthest reaching legacies — both for the progress they have made and for the promises they hold.”

The award follows McKnight’s two-day site visit to the region in April. The funding is structured as annual contributions of $1 million for five years to the SWIF General Endowment, beginning July 1, 2011. The award also includes a challenge grant, where McKnight will match gifts to the SWIF General Endowment dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million over five years.

“We thank The McKnight Foundation for their continued partnership,” said SWIF President/CEO Sherry Ristau. “Their tremendous support since founding the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations has been a true catalyst to all areas of our work. This announcement means great things for the future of our region.”

SWIF is one of six Minnesota Initiative Foundations created in 1986 as a partnership between The McKnight Foundation and the citizens of Greater Minnesota. Set up as independent nonprofit philanthropic organizations with local boards of directors, the six foundations are: the Northland Foundation in Duluth; the Northwest Minnesota Foundation located in Bemidji; West Central Initiative based in Fergus Falls; the Southwest Initiative Foundation based in Hutchinson, the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls; and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation based in Owatonna. For more information about The Minnesota Initiative Foundations, visit www.greaterminnesota.net.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $54 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 525 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,000 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Funds will assist rural microentrepreneurs, provide technical assistance

USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer visited Hutchinson Thursday, March 17, to award the Southwest Initiative Foundation a $500,000 loan and a $105,000 grant.

The funds come from Rural Development’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) and will assist rural entrepreneurs. It is the first RMAP awarded in Minnesota.

“These funds will help small, start-up businesses access needed capital,” Landkamer said. “Sometimes a small loan is all an entrepreneur needs to start a business, produce a product, and win the future. The Southwest Initiative Foundation has a strong track record in assisting rural businesses and I am looking forward to watching the positive results develop from this funding.”

Under the RMAP program, funds are provided to an intermediary who re-lends the dollars to rural entrepreneurs and microenterprises. In this case, the Southwest Initiative Foundation will use the $500,000 loan for re-lending purposes and the $105,000 grant to provide technical assistance and training to rural entrepreneurs in the region.

“Our region has a very strong entrepreneurial spirit,” said Southwest Initiative Foundation President/CEO Sherry Ristau. “When combined with the right resources, including technical assistance at various stages of their business ventures, we’ve seen entrepreneurs accomplish great things for our communities, region and economy.”

Contact Southwest Initiative Foundation at 800-594-9480 or loans@swifoundation.org to inquire about business loan opportunities. To learn more about Rural Development programs in the areas of business, housing and infrastructure, contact the Cambridge area office at (763) 689-3354, ext. 4.

Photo caption:  Southwest Initiative Foundation received the first RMAP awarded in the state to support southwest Minnesota microentrepreneurs. Pictured from left are foundation staff Jackie Turner-Lovsness, Greg Jodzio, Berny Berger, Kurt Thompson, USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer, Karen Larson and foundation President/CEO Sherry Ristau.

Local Business Renamed Wishy Washy Laundromat, Benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Chant and Amy Singvongsa recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the purchase of the Jackson Laundromat from Dave and Ester Bargfrede, who owned the business for many years. The new owners renamed the business Wishy Washy Laundromat. It will offer full laundromat services with a number of new machines, a laundry drop-off service, and a pick-up and delivery service for wind project worksites.

Chant has been working in the business for the past several months in training to take over the business. The Wishy Washy Laundromat will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Contact Chant or Amy Singvongsa with questions about their services at 507-847-4276.

“We are pleased to assist Chant and Amy with the purchase of the laundromat,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “It will keep a vital community service business in operation.”

Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital for the start up of the laundromat.  SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Regional Initiative Foundations Award Nearly $25,000 in Grants to Support YES! Team Projects

Students building geodesic domes, touring an ethanol plant, peering under the hood of an electric vehicle, Skyping a Swedish biomass entrepreneur, peering into a coal-fired power plant—these are just some of the activities students experienced at recent Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Winter Workshops. Even more exciting is that activities like these have spurred the students to take on energy action projects in their schools and communities, spreading their knowledge and excitement across Minnesota.

Alexandria, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Eden Valley-Watkins, Litchfield and New London-Spicer YES! teams spent a cold winter day at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. “PWELC is the perfect location to gather students around the topic of energy and the environment,” said Anne Dybsetter, YES! Coordinator. “Students can experience firsthand various technologies like a biomass boiler, tracking photovoltaic solar panels, an electric truck, and a wind turbine.” 

Throughout the day, students explored energy topics with the help of several businesses and community representatives. Bob Ryan of European Energy Connections; Per Carlson, Swedish representative of European Energy Connections; LEED-certified architect Andrew Bjur of Engan Associates; Chuck Waibel, Growing Green Enterprises; Wes Hompe with Willmar Municipal Utilities; and Dan Tepfer of Kandiyohi Power Cooperative each offered their expertise to students.

According to Becca Bell, YES! Coordinator, one particularly valuable experience for the students involved a discussion at the Willmar Municipal Utility coal-fired power plant about the future of power generation. “One of the adult attendees was able to raise great questions for the representatives from Willmar Municipal Utilities and Kandiyohi Power Cooperative,” Bell said. “It was a great chance for students to be exposed to the types of questions homeowners have and the answers power providers have.”

Springfield, Windom, and Westbrook-Walnut Grove YES! teams gathered at the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton for activities ranging from a tour of the Highwater Ethanol Plant with Brian Kletscher, CEO/GM to building geodesic domes with Jerry Cleveland, a retired education and energy-efficient design enthusiast from Spring Valley. Through discussions with a panel of community experts, students also learned what it takes to successfully bring a project to completion.

Brian Kletscher pointed out the importance of leadership and staying positive. “To be successful you need to believe in yourself, your project and your team,” Kletscher said. “You will hit road blocks, but each of you have untapped leadership abilities within you.”

The Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded grants to YES! teams in their regions. SWIF awarded a total of $18,960 to teams in Alexandria, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Lac qui Parle Valley, Eden Valley-Watikins, Windom, New London-Spicer, Cedar Mountain, Ortonville, Redwood Valley, and Marshall.  SMIF awarded a total of $6,000 to teams in their region including Springfield, Northfield, New Ulm Putting Green, and Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop.  

“The Initiative Foundations are pleased to help offset the costs to participate in YES! and also to purchase supplies and materials needed for their energy action projects,” said SMIF Business Senior Program Officer Pam Bishop.  SMIF joined as a partner of YES! in 2009 and looks forward to working with Eagle Bluff Learning Center and the current YES! partners as the program expands into southeast Minnesota in 2011. 

This year’s energy action projects range from improving recycling, water and electricity usage in their schools to solar energy, composting, and garden projects in their communities.  Many of the teams are also working with their elementary students, sharing the knowledge and resources they have gained through YES!. A key component of the projects is community involvement.

“It’s very powerful to have students connect with community leaders,” said Springfield Superintendent Keith Kottke. They not only learn communication skills, but also leadership, entrepreneurship, fundraising, and how to mobilize volunteers. According to Kottke, this was evident when Springfield YES! students took the lead in organizing a clean up after flooding in the community.

YES! is a team-oriented youth program empowering youth to inspire widespread adoption of renewable energy technology and energy conservation practices which contribute to the environmental and economic health of rural Minnesota communities. To learn more visit www.youthenergysummit.org. To learn how your school or community can participate, email sayyes@youthenergysummit.org.

Lynd business benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation Microenterprise Loan Program

Vicente Hernandez recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of the Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill in Lynd. Vicente reopened the Bar and Lynd ballroom complex in October. In addition, he now offers a full restaurant menu, including appetizers, steaks, burgers and Mexican specialties including enchiladas, flautas, fajitas and chimichangas.

The Lyndwood will also feature Tex-Mex entertainment, providing a dance theme venue with live music and DJ entertainment. The Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill will be celebrating its Grand Opening Feb. 11 and 12 with food and drink specials. Hours for the business are Wednesdays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Vicente can be reached at 507-865-4000 to inquire about upcoming entertainment, or to book events in the ballroom.

Hernandez has been employed most recently as a shift manager for five years at Logic, Inc., in Montevideo. He has always been interested in having a restaurant/entertainment venue, and worked as a cook for four years in a restaurant. Hernandez felt the opportunity was right when the Lyndwood came up for sale this year and decided to purchase the business.   

“SWIF is pleased to assist Mr. Hernandez with opening the restaurant in Lynd, which has been a long-time asset to the community and surrounding area,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.

Together with primary financing from Klein Bank of Montevideo, proceeds from the SWIF loan will be used to purchase the equipment for the start up of the Lyndwood. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one-to-one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Southwest Initiative Foundation and Valspar Corporation partner for 14^th year to support community projects

Applications are now being accepted for consideration in the Minnesota Beautiful program, a grant program that provides paint and coatings to complete various restoration projects in Minnesota communities. The program is administered by the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) in partnership with the Minneapolis-based Valspar Corporation. This 14-year partnership between the organizations provides community restoration and beautification opportunities in southwest Minnesota.

Selected projects must be located within SWIF’s 18-county southwest Minnesota service area. Projects must also meet criteria including visual impact of the project, public benefit to the community, volunteer participation and support, current and/or intended use of the structure and benefit to the needy. Qualifying projects may include—but are not limited to—historic buildings, structures or landmarks, facilities for senior or disabled citizens, community centers or other public buildings and murals or other visual impact projects. Some projects not within the scope of this program include denominational churches, city maintenance or privately-owned facilities that do not meet any of the above criteria. 

Completed application packages for the Minnesota Beautiful program must be received by March 7, 2011.

•  Click here to view application information.

Contact SWIF Community Resource Assistant Marsha Frauendienst at marshaf@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480 with questions.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Spicer MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Glacial Ridge Winery, owned by Ron and Kim Wothe, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the expansion of their farm winery located at 15455 Old Mill Road in rural Spicer. Glacial Ridge Winery began operations in August 2007 and recently remodeled a large barn on the property to improve and expand the winery’s production area, while also adding public space to accommodate larger indoor events, including weddings, parties, entertainment and corporate events. The new event venue has décor inspired by the barrel rooms of working wineries—open and airy with exposed beams, tin and barn wood, as well as lighting and ceiling fans—which creates a simple, yet elegant space large enough to comfortably seat approximately 150 guests.

Glacial Ridge Winery continues to garner awards for their hand crafted Minnesota wines. Most recently, five Glacial Ridge wines were awarded medals at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York. Winning wines included St. Pepin, receiving gold; Castle Rock Red and Sippin’ From a Slipper, receiving silver; and Jazzy and Anitque Car Run, receiving bronze. More information about the winery can be found online at www.glacialridgewinery.com or by calling 320‐796‐6127.

“The Foundation is very pleased to be able to assist Ron and Kim with this expansion of their business, which is a vital part of the local tourist trade area around Spicer and the Willmar lakes region,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital for the start up of the service center. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture.

SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives

Hutchinson, MN business adds snow removal services

Green Earth Lawn Care, owned by Jamie Scharfencamp, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to expand his business services to include snow removal. Scharfencamp has been offering a full service lawn and garden service in Hutchinson and the surrounding area for the past four years, building a successful business. He has recently added irrigation and snow removal services to his business, providing a full range of lawn and lot maintenance services.

Scharfencamp is available for snow removal services this winter, as well as handling lawn care and irrigation needs for 2011. In addition, Green Earth Lawn Care also serves a business niche market providing “green” applications of all natural liquid lawn fertilizer and a unique fertilizer/pesticide application service that allows spot spraying of broadleafs during the application process, reducing cost to the customer and using less chemical. Scharfencamp can be reached at 320‐296‐9465, or on his website at www.growtheglow.com to schedule any needed services.

“Jamie continues to work hard to provide good customer service, utilizing good business planning efforts to grow his business in a competitive market,” said SWIF Microenterprise Program Coordinator Berny Berger.

Proceeds from the loan will be used for equipment. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Willmar, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Neil’s Nuttin’ But Nuts, owned by Neil Hughes, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of his nut roasting vending business within K‐Mart at the Willmar Kandi Mall. The business features premium almonds, pecans, cashews and proprietary coatings from the Nutty Bavarian Company, all fresh‐roasted at Hughes’ stand.

Hughes, 52, was a farmer until a massive stroke in 1993 caused left side paralysis. Today, he walks with a cane and walker, and is employed part‐time with West Central Industries of Willmar. A stroke survivor, Hughes was the 2009 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award recipient. Established in 1992, the award, administered by Courage Center, recognizes the pursuit or achievement in a business entrepreneurial endeavor by a person with a physical disability or sensory impairment.

“The Foundation is pleased to be able to assist Neil with his goals of self‐sufficiency and we are very impressed with his determination to succeed,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “Hughes has been an inspiration to our program.”

Proceeds from the loan, together with a monetary award from the Jacobson Fund, was used to help purchase equipment for the start up of the vending business. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.