Spring in Southwest Minnesota — A Season of Renewal and Community Impact

Spring in Southwest Minnesota — A Season of Renewal and Community Impact

As spring arrives in southwest Minnesota, it brings a welcome sense of renewal — and a moment to reflect on the work that strengthens our communities. Each year, United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) takes this season to thank our Community Partners and look ahead to the opportunities the next Community Impact Grant cycle will bring.

UWSWMN’s Community Impact Grants support programs that expand youth opportunities, build healthy communities, promote financial security, and strengthen community resilience. We extend our sincere appreciation to our 2025–26 Community Partners, whose efforts continue to bring this work to life throughout our region:

Hope Harbor, Junior Achievement, Lutheran Social Service Meals on Wheels, Marshall Food4Kids, New Horizons Crisis Center, Prairie Five Community Action, ServeMN, SWWC Foundation for Innovation in Education, True Light Christian School, and United Community Action Partnership.

Their efforts — from literacy and youth programs to food support, crisis services, and senior care — make a meaningful difference for families across our region.

Each spring, UWSWMN opens its annual Community Impact Grant cycle, reaffirming our commitment to nonprofits serving residents across Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine, and portions of Cottonwood, Lac qui Parle, Nobles, and Redwood counties in Minnesota. The grant cycle allows organizations to apply for funding that supports essential programming, strengthens community stability, and addresses both immediate needs and long‑term goals for local families.

Community members are also invited to participate as volunteer grant reviewers — a meaningful way to help guide funding decisions, learn about local nonprofit work, and contribute to the collective impact across our region. This collaborative process ensures that funding decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and grounded in community priorities.

As our community begins to green and grow again, spring reminds us that small investments — in people, in programs, and in one another — can yield remarkable results. This season, we invite you to join us: volunteer, donate, serve on a grant panel, or simply learn more about the work happening across southwest Minnesota. Together, we can help every child, family, and neighbor thrive.

Today is the day – United is the Way

Meg Louwagie 
CEO
United Way of Southwest Minnesota