Greetings!

In the summer of 2025, I stepped into leadership at an organization older than I am — one built for moments like this.

As Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) marks its 40th anniversary, I often think about our founding board members. In the midst of the 1980s farm crisis, they had the foresight to imagine a locally controlled endowment that could help a region reclaim its future. They chose long-term impact over quick fixes, believing that lasting change happens when communities invest in one another. I’m humbled to stand on their shoulders and carry that vision forward.

Today, southern Minnesota — like much of our state — is navigating real complexity and disruption. History reminds us that progress doesn’t come from standing alone, but from leaning into community, service and shared purpose. The community builders featured in this publication reflect that spirit. Their work shows us that even in unsettled times, steady collaboration and local leadership remain our most powerful tools for moving forward — together.

Benya Kraus

President and CEO

*header photo: Benya Kraus met with her good friend and original SMIF board member, Ed Frederick, in the fall. We were saddened to hear of his passing just last month and grateful that he dedicated his life to southern Minnesota.

Melinda Jones and Normel Thomas, owners and partners at Trinity Homecare Services in Rochester, shared how they grew their business with the help of SMIF trainings and resources.

"One of the biggest advantages to working with SMIF has been the tailored business coaching which helped us see our business through a wider lens – identifying gaps we hadn’t noticed and providing solutions grounded in industry best practices. SMIF also gave us tools to improve our business plan, sharpen our financial literacy and strengthen our pitch to potential partners and clients."

Read the story.

Tonia Schiro, director of student and community programs at Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Schools, told the story of how a SMIF grant helped the community come together to create a resource bus.

"The Taylor Rural Child Care Grant has enabled the purchase and retrofitting of a fully equipped bus that now serves as a mobile hub for essential resources. Community members, families and students can access clothing, hygiene products and household items. This grant has been transformative for our community outreach efforts."

Read the story.

Haley Kimmet Teopaco, executive director at A Great Day Farm in Dundas, shared how a SMIF grant helped expand adaptive cycling in the area.

"Thanks to the Small Town Grant, we’ve been able to launch a more coordinated and sustainable approach to adaptive cycling in our community and region. With the funds, we constructed a bike shed and expanded our fleet with three new adaptive bikes. We also partnered with local organizations to host an event. One adult participant who had never ridden a bike before eagerly tried every model."

Read the story.

Celebrating new loans

Photo: Marcia Haley, SMIF senior lending director, closing a loan with the owners of Medieval Metalwerx.

Deep Wells Midwifery, Wells | Midwife services

Elion Hair & Beauty LLC, Austin | Hair and beauty salon

Medieval Metalwerx LLC, Mankato | Metal manufacturer

Three Brothers Meat Market, Mapleton | Meat market

Uncle Gill's Barbershop LLC, Winona | Barbershop



See our loan funds.

Recent grant awards

Early Care and Education Grant: $279,800 for 22 projects

Economic Development Grant: $99,865 to six organizations

Taylor Rural Improvements Grant: $300,000 to 14 organizations

Upcoming events

Ignite Cup

Apply by Saturday, Jan. 31

The Ignite Cup is a chance for startup founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners in SMIF’s 20-county region to present their business ideas to a panel of experts.

Winning comes with a cash prize and valuable resources. Winners of the Ignite Cup overall and student divisions will advance as semi-finalists to the 2026 MN Cup competition.

Early Childhood winter trainings

Feb. - April

6 - 8 p.m.

Virtual

Attention early child care professionals! You are invited to join SMIF for our 2026 winter training series led by Raelene Ostberg and Stacy Boysen!

Each event is virtual, free and Develop-approved.

Feast! Local Foods Tradeshow

Thursday, March 19

Cannon Falls

Makers and buyers network and talk sales during the popular Buyers’ Expo, an award ceremony and a founders’ forum.

Attendance at the Tradeshow is limited to vendors, wholesale buyers, aspiring food entrepreneurs and industry professionals offering technical assistance.

As we celebrate 40 years of impact, we invite you to help us invest in the future of entrepreneurs, children and communities.

Thanks to investment earnings, your gift will continue to grow and have an even greater impact on the region in years to come.

Leave a lasting legacy with FreeWill, a free online tool to write your legal will at no personal cost to you.

This resource helps protect your family and friends, plan beneficiaries for your assets and support the causes and communities you love.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | 507-455-3215 | www.smifoundation.org

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