Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Benya Kraus: Belonging and ownership

Jul 29, 2026

Who gets to own a piece of the future? Ownership — of land, of livelihood, of voice — was central to the American experiment. In southern Minnesota, it remains central to the work of building vibrant, resilient communities. And for many people, belonging begins with having the opportunity to shape...

SMIF offers $10,000 grants to small communities

Jul 29, 2026

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...

Kraus: Community as classroom

Oct 1, 2025

It’s back to school month, and the flurry of excitement, nerves and relief are upon so many families across our region. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we have the privilege of working directly with hundreds of child care providers and other Early Childhood professionals across...

SMIF announces new leader

May 14, 2025

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has announced the appointment of Benya Kraus as its next President and CEO, effective June 16. “Benya succeeds Tim Penny, who has served the Foundation with distinction for nearly two decades,” SMIF said in a news release. “A nationally recognized...

Penny: Gratitude for growth

Dec 18, 2024

Despite the holiday rush at the close of the year, I like to pause and reflect on the work of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) across our 20-county region. In no particular order, I would like to recognize some of the activities I am most proud of in 2024: 1. Young children...

Penny: Retain local wealth to create a bright future for the region

Dec 4, 2024

November brings with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving. When we think about where to direct our charitable donations and volunteer efforts, I believe we should first consider the places where we...

SMIF seeking applicants for Small Town Grants

Jul 24, 2024

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...

SMIF grant supports community beautification

Mar 6, 2024

I always look forward to the Paint the Town Grant cycle which offers free paint for various community beautification projects. In Peterson, the public library now has a mural on the side of the building that depicts a gnome mailing a letter, adding to a community-wide gnome theme which draws...

Port Authority receives $10,000 SMIF grant

Aug 30, 2023

The Lake City Port Authority is receiving $10,000 grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) as part of their Small Town Grant Program, according to a news release. “The Small Town Grant program ‘seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way communities...

Penny: Early reading is important

Aug 9, 2023

July marks one of my favorite months at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). It is the time of year when we get to distribute more than 20,000 books to organizations that work with young children in our 20-county region. The importance of early literacy cannot be overstated. Not only...