Southwest Minnesota gave to the max on Nov. 16 – which means great things for our nonprofits, communities and region! Our donors gave $9,205 to SWIF’s family of funds, which is nearly triple what was given during last year’s Give to the Max Day!

Donors to SWIF’s community foundation partners were especially active. Receiving the greatest number of gifts were:

1. Clarkfield Area Community Foundation
2. Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation
3. Granite Falls Area Community Foundation

In addition, the Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation won one of GiveMN.org’s 24 Golden Tickets, worth $1,000!

And, we haven’t forgotten about our two Silver Tickets!

All gifts to one of SWIF’s 21 community foundation partner’s general endowment funds during the 24-hour period were included in a random drawing to have a $500 prize added, courtesy of matching funds from SWIF.

Our Silver Ticket winners are:

• An anonymous donor, who gave to the Balaton Area Community Foundation
• Joyce Dass, who gave to the Tyler Area Community Foundation

Congratulations to our winning GiveMNians and the communities they supported!

Thank you to all who gave through GiveMN.org and made Give to the Max Day a huge success by raising nearly $13.5 million for almost 4,000 nonprofits statewide!

Check out GiveMN.org for more final results and videos highlighting this record-breaking day.

Are you ready for the Great Minnesota Give Together?

It’s time to Give to the Max to support your favorite Minnesota charities!

GiveMN.org is an innovative online resource that is changing the way Minnesotans give and helping create a stronger nonprofit community for Minnesota.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. tonight  and all day Wednesday, Nov. 16, every donation you make through GiveMN.org gives your favorite organization the chance to win even more money, including organizations right here in southwest Minnesota!

GiveMN is passing out 24 Golden Tickets ($1,000 prize grants given randomly every hour to one lucky donor). Check out other great prizes and reasons to give on their website.

In addition, SWIF will provide 2 Silver Tickets to our community foundation donors!

Here’s how it works:

• All donors who give to one of SWIF’s 21 community foundation partner’s general endowment funds during the 24-hour period will be eligible to have a $500 prize added to their gift, courtesy of matching funds from SWIF.
• Two winners will be selected.
• A $10 gift to your endowment qualifies to the same extent as a $1,000+ gift. In other words, one gift equals one chance.

So, let’s say you make a $10 gift to the Pipestone Community Foundation on GiveMN.org and are selected for a Silver Ticket, it would mean $510 going to the Pipestone Community Foundation!

And finally, SWIF will be drawing winners for promotional item gifts throughout the day.

Check back on this page for announcements about SWIF’s lucky winners.

Happy giving at www.givemn.org!

Morning Update

Southwest Minnesota generosity is shining brightly during today’s Give to the Max Day!

SWIF’s family of funds has already recieved more than $4,000 today, and there’s still plenty of time to keep supporting your communities and the causes you care about across the state.

Thank you to all of our online donors so far and congratulations to our first four SWIF prize winners!

These randomly selected donors will recieve a gift from SWIF as a special thanks for participating in Give to the Max. Keep checking back – we have more prizes to give away this afternoon.

Plus, all gifts to SWIF’s 21 community foundation partners’ general endowment funds are still in the running for two Silver Tickets!

• Avis Freitag, who supported the Granite Falls Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund
• Cameron Macht, who supported MACCRAY #2180 Foundation Fund
• Tim O’Leary, who supported the Tyler Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund
• Beth Ann Mueller, who supported the Ortonville Early Childhood Fund

Afternoon Update

And a few more winners…

• Teresa Peterson, who supported Morton Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund
• April Hussong, who supported Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation Endowment Fund
• Laura Lamb, who supported Ortonville Early Childhood Fund

Evening Update 

We’re getting down to the wire!

• Lisa Schardin, who supported the SWIF General Endowment
• Barbara Bruflat, who supported the Clarkfield Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund
• Dodi Haugen, who supported the Murray County Early Childhood Fund

Join in at GiveMN.org!

Building leadership skills from the inside out

Two-day opening workshop Jan. 19-20, 2012

Southwest Minnesota nonprofits are feeling the pinch of hard times. Meeting daily needs and
overcoming organizational challenges leave leaders very few resources for professional skill
development.

The Nonprofit Leader’s Academy provides dedicated time and support to focus on personal growth
by building leadership skills from the inside out. This skill-building and life-changing experience is
designed to help individuals become more strategic and resilient leaders.

“The Academy provides a wonderful opportunity for existing and emerging leaders to broaden their
networks with regional nonprofit professionals and to experience a space for rejuvenation and
inspiration that supports the advancement of their organizations’ missions. All aspects of
the Academy have been tremendously beneficial!”

Dawn Wambeke, Executive Director, Advance Opportunities in Marshall

Participant Objectives

• Gain greater self-awareness as a leader
• Learn tools that promote balance, renewed energy and resiliency
• Enhance ability to authentically communicate, foster connections and develop a deeper understanding of self and others
• Strengthen connections by sharing experiences and expertise in a relaxed and supportive environment

Academy Structure

• Leadership Practice Inventory completed prior to opening workshop
• Two-day opening workshop Jan. 19-20, Shalom Hill Farm in Windom
• Individual coaching session scheduled after the workshop
• One-day closing workshop in Spring 2012

Information and Registration

• Nonprofit Leader’s Academy flyer Jan2012
• Nonprofit Leaders Academy Invitation Jan2012
• Nonprofit Leader’s Academy Registration Page Jan2012

For more information, contact Diana Anderson at dianaa@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480.

 The Nonprofit Leader’s Academy is a program of the Southwest Initiative Foundation, presented through a partnership with the Institute for Conservation Leadership.

A Memorable Night for Southwest Minnesota

On Friday, May 20, Southwest Initiative Foundation celebrated 25 years of serving southwest Minnesota. More than 300 guests—including current and former board members, volunteers, donors, loan clients, grant recipients, partners and friends from throughout the region and beyond—joined to honor the “Best of Southwest Minnesota.”

Thank you to all who made this a very special night for southwest Minnesota!

Showcase of Southwest Minnesota

The evening started with a private Growing Home Circle reception, followed by a social hour. Both featured local wines and brews from Brau Brothers Brewing Co., Lucan; Fieldstone Vineyards, Redwood Falls; and Glacial Ridge Winery, Spicer.

Musical entertainment was provided by Guy Stevermer of Sacred Heart, and Not Exactly, a band from Luverne.

This Showcase of Southwest Minnesota also featured four regional artists:

• Donna Jean Carver, Willmar
• Greg Hoogeveen, Luverne
• Suzanne Napgezek, Willmar
• Joel and Torri McKinney, Walnut Grove

Dinner, Program and Awards Presentation

Following the Showcase, guests enjoyed a dinner and program, with special guest and emcee John Lauritsen, a WCCO-TV reporter and Montevideo/Milan native. John shared some of his experiences growing up in rural Minnesota and how they have shaped his career, providing him with a strong work ethic, sense of humor and humility.

He and SWIF President/CEO Sherry Ristau also shared a very special announcement from The McKnight Foundation. Read the message from McKnight President Kate Wolford here.

The program was completed with an awards presentation, recognizing four anniversary award and the Southwest Initiative Foundation Award recipients.

• Collaboration Award
  Awarded to Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Convention and Visitors Bureau, a program of the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development CommissionAs collaborators, these people and/or entities work together in partnership to share ideas, resources and energy. Their willingness to look beyond traditional boundaries creates new opportunities for the southwest Minnesota region.
•  Innovation Award
  Awarded to the Fabian and Lorraine Sheehan Family of Bird Island whose family is well-known for its LP gas business, Rural Computer Consultants software development business and their extensive community involvementAs an innovator, this business, organization or community seeks new and unique ways to create value in the region. Their creativity and productivity strengthens the economic and social framework of southwest Minnesota.
  
• Leadership Award 
  Awarded to Glen Herfurth who has often been described as “Mr. Montevideo,” a tribute to his contributions throughout the communityAs a leader, this person brings people or organizations together to face challenges and create new opportunities to strengthen and sustain our communities and the southwest Minnesota region. Their vision, action and dedication make a lasting, positive difference.

• Philanthropist Award
  Awarded to Warren Herreid II and Jeannine Rivet, who are Growing Home Circle Members and have been the impetus of many initiatives and projects in Luverne, Rock County and beyond

  As a philanthropist, these people voluntarily give of their time, talent and financial resources for social and economic benefit. Their generosity has impacted families, organizations, communities and the southwest Minnesota region.
  

• Southwest Initiative Foundation Award
  Awarded to The Robert and Helen Remick Charitable Foundation Trust

  The trust honors Bob Remick who died in 1998. He was a depot employee, high school teacher, farmer, and artist. The Trust has contributed almost $4.5 million to 75 charitable causes in southwest Minnesota since 2000 including the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s General Endowment, Early Childhood Initiative, a memorial scholarship fund and given the first gift of farmland through the Foundation’s Farmland Retention Program.

A special thanks to Premier Banquet Sponsors Bremer Bank and Bremer Investment Management & Trust and Silver Banquet Sponsor Howalt+McDowell.

Please join us to celebrate the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s 25th Anniversary!

Friday, May 20
Jackpot Junction, Morton

REGISTER ONLINE

Schedule of Events

5 p.m. Showcase of Southwest Minnesota

   Featuring Regional Musicians and Artists’ Exhibits
   Complimentary Regional Beverage Tastings, Hors D’Oeurves, and Cash Bar

6 p.m. Dinner and Program

  Three-Course Plated Dinner
  25th Anniversary Message and Special Announcement
  Awards Presentation

    With special guest and emcee John Lauritsen,
   WCCO-TV reporter and Montevideo native

The following awards will be presented to those exemplifying the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s mission:

Collaboration Award
Innovation Award
Leadership Award
Philanthropy Award
Southwest Initiative Foundation Award 

The mission of the Southwest Initiative Foundation is to be a catalyst, facilitating opportunities for economic and social growth by developing and challenging leaders to build on the region’s assets.

Contact Kim Morrow at 1-800-594-9480 or kimm@swifoundation.org with questions.

Cost to attend is $25 per person. Tickets are non-refundable after May 18. Attire is business to business-formal.

Overnight accommodations are offered by Jackpot Junction Hotel at a reduced rate. Call Jackpot Junction at 1-800-946-2274 for reservations.

Thank you to our premier banquet sponsors:

Join us in McLeod and Kandiyohi counties

For 25 years, the Southwest Initiative Foundation has been impacting communities, businesses, organizations and families in southwest Minnesota. As one of six regional funds founded by The McKnight Foundation in response to the 1980s economic crisis, SWIF was created to provide financial resources, creative leadership and most importantly, hope for a brighter future.

We’ve been celebrating our past, present and future by visiting each of our 18 counties over the past several months of this special anniversary year. Area constituents are invited to join our board members and staff to celebrate 25 years of opportunities, impact and growth in southwest Minnesota.

Please join us for a reception in your area:

Monday, April 4

• Hutchinson – Crow River Golf Club
  915 Colorado St. NW
  Get Directions
  Dinner served 5:15 p.m.
  Program 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5

• Willmar – The Oaks at Eagle Creek
  1100 26th Ave. NE
  Get Directions
  Dinner served 5:15 p.m.
  Program 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Each reception will include a brief program highlighting southwest Minnesota’s accomplishments over the past 25 years. We’ll also welcome stories and memories from guests as we reflect on and celebrate this milestone.

There is no cost to attend a reception. RSVP requested by Friday, April 1, to Jessica Eastling at jessicae@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480.

If you missed us while we were visiting each of the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota over the past few months, be sure to join us for our regional banquet on May 20 in Morton. Watch for future banquet details. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Join us in Swift, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine and Lincoln counties

For 25 years, the Southwest Initiative Foundation has been impacting communities, businesses, organizations and families in southwest Minnesota. As one of six regional funds founded by The McKnight Foundation in response to the 1980s economic crisis, SWIF was created to provide financial resources, creative leadership and most importantly, hope for a brighter future.

We’re celebrating our past, present and future by visiting each of our 18 counties during our anniversary year. Area constituents are invited to join our board members and staff to celebrate 25 years of opportunities, impact and growth in southwest Minnesota.

Please join us for a reception in your area:

Wednesday, March 30

• Benson – McKinney’s On Southside
  300 14th St. S, Benson
  Get Directions
  Lunch served 11:45 a.m.
  Program Noon-1 p.m.
• Ortonville – Lakewood Supper Club
  1073 Lake Shore Dr., Ortonville
  Get Directions
  Dinner served 4:45 p.m.
  Program 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 31

• Dawson – CJ Mike’s Family Restaurant
  720 6th St., Dawson
  Get Directions
  Breakfast served 7:15 a.m.
  Program 7:30-8:30 a.m.
• Granite Falls – Bootlegger’s Supper Club
  1940 11th Ave., Granite Falls
  Get Directions
  Lunch served 11:45 a.m.
  Program Noon-1 p.m.
• Ivanhoe – VFW Post 2980
  116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe
  Get Directions
  Dinner served 5:15 p.m.
  Program 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Each reception will include a brief program highlighting southwest Minnesota’s accomplishments over the past 25 years. We’ll also welcome stories and memories from guests as we reflect on and celebrate this milestone.

There is no cost to attend a reception. RSVP requested by Monday, March 28, to Jessica Eastling at jessicae@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480.

Don’t see your southwest Minnesota county represented? Don’t worry!
We’re scheduling future receptions and will post details as they’re available. If you missed us in November when celebrating in Cottonwood, Jackson, Nobles, Rock, Pipestone, and Murray counties, or in February when celebrating in Redwood, Lyon, Chippewa and Renville counties, you can still join us for our regional banquet May 20 in Morton. Watch for future banquet details.

Join us in Meeker County

For 25 years, the Southwest Initiative Foundation has been impacting communities, businesses, organizations and families in southwest Minnesota. As one of six regional funds founded by The McKnight Foundation in response to the 1980s economic crisis, SWIF was created to provide financial resources, creative leadership and most importantly, hope for a brighter future.

We’re celebrating our past, present and future by visiting each of our 18 counties during our anniversary year. Area constituents are invited to join our board members and staff to celebrate 25 years of opportunities, impact and growth in southwest Minnesota.

Please join us for a reception in Litchfield:

Thursday, March 17

• Peter’s on Lake Ripley
  405 West Pleasure Drive, Litchfield
  Get Directions
  Lunch served 11:45 a.m.
  Program Noon-1 p.m.

This reception will include a brief program highlighting southwest Minnesota’s accomplishments over the past 25 years. We’ll also welcome stories and memories from guests as we reflect on and celebrate this milestone.

There is no cost to attend. RSVP by Tuesday, March 15, to Jessica Eastling at jessicae@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480.

Don’t see your southwest Minnesota county represented? Don’t worry!
We’re scheduling future receptions and will post details as they’re available. If you missed us in February when celebrating in Redwood, Lyon, Chippewa and Renville counties, you can still join us for our regional banquet May 20 in Morton. Watch for future banquet details.

Start planning today for the next phase of your business.

GPS, Goals for Planning Succession, is a one day forum that is dedicated to providing business owners with an introduction to the tools that they will need as they start preparing for the next phase of their business and personal life. This forum is presented by the Southwest Initiative Foundation and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

March 29, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Verizon Wireless Center Mankato, MN
Get directions.

Cost $49.00 per person and includes lunch

Register online or email melissal@smifoundation.org. Please let us know if you have any diet restrictions.

Download forum flyer 

Forum Agenda

• Opening Keynote
  “Legacy & The Last Challenge of Entrepreneurship.” Thomas Hubler, President, Hubler for Business Families, Minneapolis. Mr. Hubler will focus on legacy and what it means to define your legacy in the context of the family-owned business. In addition, his presentation will focus on defining the role of owner-entrepreneur when it comes to the issue of succession planning, the four challenges of an owner-entrepreneur and what are the four areas of planning that companies need to have in place in order to have a succession plan.
• Three Learning Tracks 
  A Business Transition Case Study – Featuring a prominent Midwest company led by Pat Edeburn, Succession Strategies Forum Leader with Anderson Center in St. Cloud, MN.  Pat will present the case study that he has written which will allow us to learn and understand what it is like to be in the middle of a business transition. Talent Development – Preparing for Succession -  Don Jones of Don Jones Consulting in Marshall, MN along with Vicki Prock of Enterprise Minnesota will dive deep into the concept of having the right person doing the right job.  Their combined experience will let us learn first-hand the importance of talent development of current staff as well as the search for talent to lead your organization before, during, and after transition. 

  Passing on the Family Farm – led by Cathy Olson, Lookout Ridge Consulting and Luke Robinson, Thrivant Financials for Lutherans.

• Luncheon Keynote Speakers
  “After 135 Years and Six Successions, Did We Get it Right?”  Denny Dotson, President was the 5th generation and had five years working with his father before becoming CEO, but from the day Denny started he was to be CEO.  Jean Bye, CEO worked with Denny 35 years before becoming CEO and only in the past few years was it decided that she would be CEO.  It took Denny many years to understand the CEO role and responsibilities while Jean was totally prepared for the position.  Denny and Jean will concentrate on the years just before and after their successions describing both the personal challenges and the satisfactions of the transitions.
• Afternoon Speakers
  Learn from Experience - Led by Tim Penny, President of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation will moderate a panel discussion to share rewards, challenges and lessons learned from those who have experience succession planning and work with companies to achieve.Sustaining Area Businesses through Succession Planning – Cathy Enerson, Spring Valley EDA director; Abby Hellickson, Workforce Development at Rochester Community and Technical College; and Connie Kotke, instructor and consultant; will showcase how a community can create a partnership approach to building and sustaining a community culture which embraces business succession as a key economic development strategy.
• Final Comments – Tim Penny, President of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Join us in Rewood, Lyon, Chippewa and Renville counties

For 25 years, the Southwest Initiative Foundation has been impacting communities, businesses, organizations and families in southwest Minnesota. As one of six regional funds founded by The McKnight Foundation in response to the 1980s economic crisis, SWIF was created to provide financial resources, creative leadership and most importantly, hope for a brighter future.

We’re celebrating our past, present and future by visiting each of our 18 counties during our anniversary year. Area constituents are invited to join our board members and staff to celebrate 25 years of opportunities, impact and growth in southwest Minnesota. 

Please join us for a reception in your area:

Thursday, Feb. 24

• Redwood Falls – Community Center
  901 East Cook Street, Redwood Falls
  Get directions
  Lunch served 11:45 a.m.
  Program Noon-1 p.m.
• Marshall – Landmark Bistro
  100 West College Drive, Marshall
  Get directions
  Hors d’oeuvres served 5:15 p.m.
  Program 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25

• Montevideo – Valentino’s
  110 South 1st Street, Montevideo
  Get directions
  Breakfast served 7:15 a.m.
  Program 7:30-8:30 a.m.
• Olivia – Christian Community Outreach Center
  815 East Lincoln Ave. (Hwy 212), Olivia
  Get directions
  Lunch served 11:45 a.m.
  Program Noon-1 p.m.

There is no cost to attend a reception. RSVP requested by Tuesday, Feb. 22, to Jessica Eastling at  jessicae@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480.

Don’t see your southwest Minnesota county represented? Don’t worry!
We’re scheduling future receptions and will post details as they’re available. If you missed us in November when celebrating in Cottonwood, Jackson, Nobles, Rock, Pipestone, and Murray counties, you can still join us for our regional banquet May 20 in Morton. Watch for future banquet details.