What is Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF)?
SMURFS
Rural Minnesota 1980’s
Six Minnesota Initiative Foundations - independent, nonprofit philanthropic organizations created by The McKnight Foundation in work to make their regions stronger and more prosperous. To date, The McKnight Foundation has invested over $210 million in these foundations. New 5 year commitment of $1 Million per year
Our Southern Minnesota Community SMIF Region
Value Invested over $34 million in region through loans and grants Leverage $4 for every $1 in local contributions Growing regional endowment fund - now over $25 million $900,000 per year in grants and programs
Investments that break new ground
Vision “ Southern Minnesota will be a prosperous and growing region with vibrant communities, innovative and successful businesses, and a skilled and valued workforce.
Mission “ Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation invests in the region’s future growth through grants, loans, technical expertise and partnerships that foster community assets via workforce readiness and entrepreneurial activity - especially in areas of bio-medical, bio-agriculture and alternative energy.
Focus Areas Plowing Emerging Business Planting Early Childhood Growing Emerging Workforce
Tools Convening / Conferences Consult / Coordinate / Collaborate Contributions / Grants & Loans Conduit (donor partners)
Plowing New Ground
Emerging Business Innovative ventures, shaping our economy Biobusiness Entrepreneurs Minority-Owned Business
Planting New Seeds
Early Childhood Initiatives Town Meeting Initiative (TMI) (13) Grants - $110,521 AmeriCorps – 25 members IBM – $64,470 Coughlan Publishing - $103,720
Growing Our Workforce
Emerging Workforce Skilled workers, prepared to drive growth Early Childhood Education Experiential Career Education Engaged Elders New Immigrants
Emerging Workforce Gaylord & Plainview Town Meeting Initiative Seven Revolutions Grant – St. Peter New $200,000 Grant RFP Future Atlantic Philanthropies Partnership