Career Exploration
Too many students who are hands-on learners do not receive education options that move them into satisfying careers. For their well-being, and for the sake of businesses that need the active, problem-solving abilities of these young people, we are committed to establishing new learning and career opportunities.
The Foundation will support work that takes stock of industry-related learning opportunities as they now exist. We support conversation that draws in businesses, schools, youth and other vested groups to assess what is working and what is possible. We invest in projects that creatively approach a better link between school and work such as projects that promote mentorship and establish or improve school-to-work collaborations.
In the area of workforce development, we all succeed when:
- An increasingly diverse workforce has the skills needed to contribute
- More skilled workers are working
- We achieve sustainable economic growth
The Foundation strives for these results.
Click here to learn how SMIF partnered with the Minnesota Business Ventures program to support experiential learning opportunities for high schoolers.
Tools for Community Growth
We work with communities and organizations that commit to collaboration. We support asset based, local work with these tools:
COMMUNITY GROWTH INITIATIVE
Our Community Growth Initiative brings community members together to evaluate the assets of the community, set goals, and accomplish a project of choice. We provide facilitation, technical assistance, and up to $15,000 to assist asset based community development (ABCD) efforts that lead to economic growth and prosperity.
INCENTIVE GRANTS
Grants launch programs, inspire collaboration, and move communities toward future investment. We provide up to $20,000 to support asset based collaborative projects that support emerging business and workforce initiatives.
Click here to download our guidelines.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
We provide networking opportunities and expertise to regional partners for programs and activities related to our focus areas.
CONVENINGS
We collaborate with regional partners to create small and large convenings that enhance awareness, increase knowledge, and produce results related to our focus areas. This expands perspectives, connections, and the scope of projects.
How to Apply
Short-term, incentive grant applications are reviewed twice annually, with submission deadlines in March and August. Community Growth Initiative communities are selected through an application process. All opportunities are publicized well in advance of submission dates by e-mail, in community newspapers, and in the applications section of this website. For clarification on this area of focus, call Jennifer Heien, 507.455.3215, or e-mail at jenniferh@smifoundation.org.
Click here to register for e-mail notification of grant opportunities.
For tips on writing a successful grant proposal, click here to access a guide prepared by Non-Profit Guides.