There is growing evidence that many young people are putting down roots in small towns, drawn to a strong sense of community, the lower cost of living, the proximity to natural areas and, increasingly, the awareness of the ability to work remotely. bit.ly/3gAItgS

SMIF's first ever online auction is open to preview! Browse 25+ packages now and start thinking about what you want to bid on! Bidding opens tomorrow (April 21) at 8 a.m. bit.ly/3ej1yBf

Our Paint the Town Grant is open! Communities with populations under 10,000 throughout SMIF's 20-county region are encouraged to apply. Applications are due March 31, 2021. bit.ly/3qyjaOM

Our Early Literacy Grant program is open! Organizations working with children birth to age five are encouraged to apply for books to be given to families. Apply by April 9. bit.ly/39BTTwK

Foundations and other nonprofits can play an important role during crises. At SMIF, our total impact since the onset of the pandemic is nearing $11 million as we work to support our region's entrepreneurs, early childhood professionals and communities. bit.ly/3b2TD99

Equal justice. Equal opportunity. These principles are at the core of what it means to be an American. But when they are not made real in the lives of all Americans – it should matter to all of us. More in @Tim_Penny 's latest op-ed. bit.ly/30V0WNj

This is a challenging time for all, but we are still able to deliver on the programming we promised our region. We owe this stability to our donors and the endowment that they have helped us build over the years. Read more in @Tim_Penny 's op-ed. bit.ly/357ZRlp

Good news for child care providers! While our emergency grant is currently closed due to overwhelming response, the State of MN approved $30M for grants for providers serving essential workers. Apply directly through Child Care Aware. bit.ly/2WYiUMW

The six Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIFs), including SMIF, have created an Emergency Child Care Grant Program to provide immediate financial support to licensed child care providers in Greater Minnesota in response to the pandemic. bit.ly/3dzWXth

Our Early Literacy Grant is now open! Apply by April 6 to receive books to enhance school readiness for children birth to age five. bit.ly/2uPILes

The #childcare shortage is still a major challenge for our region and the state as a whole, but we are hopeful for the future. Read more in @Tim_Penny 's latest op-ed. bit.ly/2nXCxoO

"As we like to say at SMIF, collaboration is the key to vitality in our region. This is especially evident in the local foods economy." Read more in @Tim_Penny 's latest op-ed. bit.ly/2PijSkS

We are seeking applications for our @AmeriCorpsVISTA position! Help build the #prosperityinitiative program in our 20-county region. Apply by October 11. bit.ly/2VtplE5

We are seeking applications for our new Economic Impact Grants! Nonprofits and government agencies encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered. Apply by Oct 4, 2019. bit.ly/31odgm3

We had a great time visiting Mower, Fillmore and Houston counties. Read more in @Tim_Penny's latest op-ed. bit.ly/2K6mNIQ

We're hiring! We are currently seeking a full time Development Associate to join our team. Job description and application info at bit.ly/2BsKgfG.