Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications for Small Town Grants

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grant program. Towns, or Native nations, with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state, federal and tribal government are encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 for eligible projects will be considered.

The Small Town Grant Program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way a community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all. SMIF seeks proposals which focus on collaboration throughout the project and will impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of the community. Proposals to launch new projects or expand existing initiatives in a new way will be considered.

Since 2017, SMIF has awarded 141 Small Town Grants, impacting more than 150,000 residents in the smallest communities of southern Minnesota. Examples of past grant projects include: the establishment of a new organization to unite various cultures in town, a new event to draw tourism and create a welcoming atmosphere, a community volunteer day to build new amenities, a program that makes bicycling accessible to people with disabilities, a welcome basket program for new residents, translation services for non-English speaking residents and more.

The Small Town Grant program is supported, in part, by a generous donation in memory of Paul O. Johnson who wanted southern Minnesota’s smallest communities to thrive. Paul’s legacy is being continued by his family, Amy De Jong, Paula Rehder and Scott Johnson.

“Collaboration is about more than sharing the load — it’s about creating a sense of belonging that encourages neighbors to look out for one another, and feel a sense of co-responsibility in driving the future vitality and resilience of their towns,” said Benya Kraus, SMIF president and CEO. “We are continuously grateful to Paul Johnson’s family for helping us support the initiatives of small towns.”

Applications are due to SMIF by August 28, 2025. Awardees will be notified by October 15, 2025. For the application and guidelines, visit www.smifoundation.org/smalltowngrant. For questions, contact Sarah Scheffert, communications and community vitality specialist, at 507-214-7015 or sarahs@smifoundation.org.