Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is a public charity based in Owatonna, Minnesota. Founded in 1986, it is a regional development and philanthropic organization serving a 20-county region in southern Minnesota, with work focused on economic and community vitality.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation at a glance
In short: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation gave $1.9M across 102 grants in 2025 (avg $19K), mostly in Minnesota. 52% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,890,518
- +0.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 102
- +1.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $18,534
- -0.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $12,000
- Total assets
- $80,878,325
- +6.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 52% first-time grantees (53 of 102, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
SMIF states that it accepts unsolicited requests through an open application process. Applicants complete an application; approved applicants are notified and sign a contract. SMIF requires ongoing correspondence, site visits, and final reports demonstrating that funds were spent according to grant guidelines. The foundation says awards depend on the applicable application requirements, organizational guidelines, and budget constraints, and that it provides assistance to applicants as needed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 525 Florence Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 455-3215
Website: https://smifoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
13 open opportunities from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Community Responsive Grants (Otto Bremer Trust)
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Early Care and Education Grant Program
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Amount
Up to US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Early Care and Education Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Minnesota Farmers' Market Association ($100K). Together the top 10 received $629K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($25,908), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
510 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 485 grants of 510 (95%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
SMIF serves 20 counties in south central and southeastern Minnesota, encompassing 175 communities and one Native nation. The Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund guidelines identify the Prairie Island Indian Community as the Native nation included in its service area and list Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, and Winona counties. In 2025, all reported grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 102 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation open to new grantees?
52%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 53 of 102 grantees (52%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $17K; repeat grants $20K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $16K repeat.
- 26% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+15%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $858K (2019) to $2.1M (2023). In 2025 it made 102 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Farmers' Market Association Nerstrand, MN | "Grow Your Green Program | $100,000 |
| Renewing the Countryside II Hammond, MN | Expanding Impacts in Southern Minnesota's Food Systems | $100,000 |
| Village Agricultural Cooperative Rochester, MN | Gaining critical capacity for farming entrepreneurs; food aggregation support | $80,000 |
| Families First of Minnesota Rochester, MN | Childrens books distributed through early childhood program literacy grants | $60,554 |
| Region Nine Development Commission Mankato, MN | Growing the grower's network; support underserved farmers in south central Minnesota | $60,000 |
| Mankato Kiwanis Foundation Mankato, MN | Childrens books distributed through early childhood program literacy grants | $59,077 |
| Sharing Our Roots Northfield, MN | Cultivating Food-Based Traditions as Equitable Pathways to Farming | $50,000 |
| Leo Augusta Children's Academy Blooming Prairie, MN | Keeping our children and staff educated; keeping our children warm; support of blooming prairie mainstreet | $42,000 |
| City of Mapleton Mapleton, MN | Eagles Nest Update; Rural Economic Development Projects | $40,000 |
| Initiative Foundation Little Falls, MN | Rural Voice Project | $37,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,878,325 | $10,999,337 | $8,218,110 | $1,890,518 | 102 | $4,312,979 |
| 2024 | $75,903,981 | $8,360,704 | $6,906,181 | $1,884,855 | 101 | $2,030,453 |
| 2023 | $69,745,601 | $5,876,900 | $6,487,380 | $2,093,420 | 91 | $927,741 |
| 2022 | $67,371,961 | $22,164,085 | $16,755,144 | $1,642,537 | 85 | $3,778,487 |
| 2021 | $74,043,196 | $20,001,758 | $15,336,325 | $1,649,589 | 131 | $4,357,022 |
| 2020 | $60,294,730 | $2,947,582 | $5,158,273 | $1,278,851 | 105 | $-294,994 |
| 2019 | $56,553,709 | $9,450,833 | $5,283,087 | $857,630 | 70 | $5,542,349 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
SMIF’s mission is to foster economic and community vitality in 20 counties of southern Minnesota through collaboration and partnership. Its stated vision is a prosperous and growing region with vibrant communities, innovative and successful economies, and engaged and valued citizens.
The foundation’s programs include support for early care and education, early literacy, economic development, small-town initiatives, community painting and beautification, and community-responsive projects. Its 2024 filing describes grants, loans, and technical assistance for businesses, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, including support for new businesses and innovative ventures, and resources for early childhood education.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grantees. Renewing the Countryside describes its work as strengthening rural areas by supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and others. The Minnesota Farmers Market Association’s stated vision is for vibrant farmers markets that connect Minnesotans with local farm-fresh foods and support local producers. The Village Agricultural Cooperative says it connects people with land, water, and culture and supports future farmers and food producers. Sharing Our Roots describes its mission as advancing resilient agriculture and preparing emerging farmers. Child Care Resource & Referral Inc. states that it works to ensure positive beginnings for young children and their families.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, SMIF reported 102 grants totaling $1,890,518. Grants ranged from $5,169 to $100,000, with a median award of $12,000. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Minnesota.
Among the largest reported awards were $100,000 to the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association for its Grow Your Green program and $100,000 to Renewing the Countryside II to expand impacts in southern Minnesota’s food systems. Other awards included $80,000 to the Village Agricultural Cooperative for farming-entrepreneur capacity and food aggregation support; $60,554 to Families First of Minnesota for children’s books distributed through early childhood program literacy grants; $60,000 to Region Nine Development Commission to grow a growers’ network and support underserved farmers in south central Minnesota; and $50,000 to Sharing Our Roots for work on food-based traditions and pathways to farming.
SMIF’s grant opportunities include Early Care and Education grants for services for children from birth to age five in its 20-county region, and Early Literacy grants that provide books for children from birth to age eight. Its Economic Development and Small Town grants support regional business activity and collaborative community initiatives. The Paint the Town program offers paint and coatings for community art, public-space, and related projects; the foundation’s website says that program will open in 2027. The website lists the Early Literacy, Economic Development, and Small Town grant programs as closed for 2026.
The Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund is a one-year capacity-building program for organizations responding directly to community challenges. Its guidelines identify Community Asset Building and Health and Wellbeing as funding priorities, specify awards of $10,000–$50,000, and require beneficiaries to reside in SMIF’s 20-county region or the Prairie Island Indian Community. Eligible applicants include IRS-determined 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government, and public agencies; fiscal sponsorships are not accepted.
The Early Care and Education program description lists awards up to $20,000 for eligible organizations working with children from birth to age five in the region. The PROMISE Act program description lists grants of $10,000–$50,000 for small businesses in SMIF’s service area facing challenges such as limited access to capital, population loss, an aging population, or a lack of regional economic diversification.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jake Anderson as treasurer; Chris Schad as secretary; Shawn Vogt Sween as chair; and Erin Bailey as vice chair. It lists Dr. Robert Albright, Beth Benike, Bob Mann, Ian Bents, Matt Coy, and Brad Hoiness as members at large.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is led by Timothy Penny, President & CEO on every filing since 2019; 5 of 21 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Timothy Penny
President & CEO
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$157K (2019) → $165K (2025)
Shawn Vogt Sween
Chair
Member at Large → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jamila Ibrahim
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Goldade
Director
Member at Large → Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alissa Brekke
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Conzemius
Vice President & CFO
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$117K (2019) → $139K (2025)
Pamela Bishop
Vice President of Economic Development
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$104K (2019) → $111K (2025)
Rae Jean Hansen
Vice President of Early Childhood
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$106K (2022) → $123K (2025)
Alissa Oeltjenbruns
Vice President of Philanthrophy
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$105K (2025)
Chris Schad
Secretary
Director → Secretery, 2024
Secretery → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jake Anderson
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Heather Millard
Member at Large
Director → Member at Large, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Angel Uribe
Member at Large
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erin Bailey
Vice Chair
Secretery → Member at Large, 2024
Member at Large → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brad Hoiness
Member at Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ibrahim Hussein
Member at Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Coy
Member at Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bob Mann
Member at Large
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ian Bents
Member at Large
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Beth Benike
Member at Large
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Albright
Member at Large
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Erin Meier (2019–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Xavier Frigola (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Carisa Buegler (2019–2023) — Member at Large
- Former: Cassie Harrington (2019–2023) — Chair
- Former: Corey Mensink (2019–2022) — Member at Large
- Former: John Peterson (2019–2022) — Chair
- Former: Adenuga Atewologun (2019–2021) — Member at Large
- Former: Cynthia Scheid (2019–2021) — Member at Large
- Former: Lisa Hughes (2019–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Susan Harris (2020–2021) — Director`
- Former: David Krueger (2019) — Director at Large
- Former: Fred Krahmer (2019) — Chair
- Former: Lisa Clarke (2019) — Director
- Former: Sue Harris (2019) — Community Education Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $165K, to Timothy Penny (President/CEO). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
How much does Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation give each year?
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation gave $1.9M across 102 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 101 grants.
What is Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's typical grant size?
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $12,000, and its average grant was $18,534, across 102 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation that year got $17K on average.
Where does Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation give grants?
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Rochester, MN (10 grants), Northfield, MN (6 grants), Owatonna, MN (6 grants) and Mankato, MN (5 grants).
Does Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 102 grants with a stated purpose on Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Rural Economic Development Projects" (8 grants).
Who are Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's largest grantees?
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Minnesota Farmers' Market Association ($100,000), Renewing the Countryside II ($100,000) and Village Agricultural Cooperative ($80,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($25,908), which are not listed by name. Together they received 15% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation?
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation reported $80.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $11.0M.
What does Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation fund?
SMIF’s mission is to foster economic and community vitality in 20 counties of southern Minnesota through collaboration and partnership. Its stated vision is a prosperous and growing region with vibrant communities, innovative and successful economies, and engaged and valued citizens. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation?
SMIF states that it accepts unsolicited requests through an open application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's EIN?
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3454285. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 24, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 29, 2026)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 25, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 25, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 8, 2024)
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic opportunity, health and human services, youth and education, housing, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000; listed programs offer up to $50,000 for eligible East Metro work and up to $15,000 for qualifying Minnesota organizations. It accepts applications through specific programs, including rolling application opportunities; the Community Solutions Grant Program serves Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
Rochester Area Foundation
Rochester, MN
Rochester Area Foundation funds eligible nonprofits and public agencies working in areas such as basic needs, housing, health, education, youth and families, and the arts, primarily serving the greater Rochester area. Its 2024 grants had a median of $12,680, though awards ranged widely. Eligible organizations may submit an application in each of its two annual grant cycles, beginning with a letter of intent.
Assets
$68.3M
Grants
125
Total Given
$4.8M
Mardag Foundation
St. Paul, MN
Mardag Foundation supports Minnesota nonprofits serving low-income or marginalized children, youth and families, older adults, and—through 2025—arts and humanities organizations; current programs also address food access and housing. Its 2024 grants ranged from $750 to $50,000, with a median of $25,000, and it focuses on the East Metro and Greater Minnesota; unsolicited requests are accepted by email on a rolling basis for its Community Emergency Grant Program, while most other programs use GranteeView.
Assets
$65.2M
Grants
117
Total Given
$2.7M
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
Mayo Clinic’s community grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing locally identified health needs and community well-being, such as access to care, mental health, and food security. Community grant amounts vary; its 2024 grants had a median of $59,957, though many much larger awards went to Mayo-affiliated organizations. Its community programs serve areas near Mayo sites, including Rochester, Florida, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic Health System communities; application information is stated for Rochester and Florida, but whether unsolicited requests are accepted is not stated.
Assets
$26.7B
Grants
256
Total Given
$572.1M
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Minnesota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/southern-minnesota-initiative-foundation-morg_2dc740cdf60f4763b0c2ab8d68215b75
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_363454285_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/southern-minnesota-initiative-foundation-morg_2dc740cdf60f4763b0c2ab8d68215b75},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?