The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation recently approved six grants totaling $99,053 to support early-childhood and entrepreneur projects in southern Minnesota.
• The Austin school district was given $11,218 to to increase preparedness for kindergarten by providing training to daycare providers, preschool staff, friends and family providers, along with a parent meeting introducing home activities.
• The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation was given $19,800 to launch an online database and virtual marketplace that will increase opportunities for small business owners through access to local purchasing markets, mentorship and education.
• Project FINE in Winona was given $20,000 to to provide large-group experiences, parent mentoring and information about early-childhood resources to help newcomer families.
Since 1986, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation has provided more than $24 million in grants to create economic vitality in south-central and southeastern Minnesota. The president and CEO of the foundation is former Congressman Tim Penny, of Waseca.
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The application process and guidelines for the next round of incentive grants will be announced in early January.
