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SMIF tells Rushford Village council it has invested $170 million regionally; cites recent local grants
Summary
Aaron Johnson of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation told the council SMIF has invested about $170 million in the region since 1986 and highlighted recent grants to Rushford-area projects, including $10,000 for a library gazebo and a $12,000 Taylor Rural Improvement Grant for an ADA merry-go-round.
Aaron Johnson, philanthropy director for the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), addressed the Rushford Village Council and outlined SMIF's mission and recent local investments.
Johnson said SMIF is a donor-supported foundation that invests in entrepreneurship, early childhood development and community vitality across 20 counties in southcentral and southeast Minnesota, including the region that covers Rushford Village. He told the council SMIF has invested about $170 million in the region since 1986 and stated, "For every $1.00 invested with SMIF $32.00 are invested back into Fillmore County," citing grants, loans and programming as mechanisms of that return.
Johnson identified recent local awards: a $12,000 Taylor Rural Improvement Grant in fall 2024 for an ADA merry-go-round and a $10,000 grant for a library gazebo in Rushford. He also noted that SMIF supported CRV with a $500 donation in 2024 and that the foundation has made 29 loans to support entrepreneurs and 498 community grants regionwide to date.
No formal action was taken on the presentation; councilmembers received the information and moved on to subsequent agenda items.
