Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking two communities that want to learn how to capitalize on the assets of new immigrants and minority populations to increase their local economies. As part of the grant, SMIF will provide up to $15,000 for community projects along with training and coaching.
SMIF’s grant uses an asset-affirming approach, called the Town Meeting Initiative (TMI), which puts a strong spotlight on collaboration, local assets, and creativity that generates long-term change. “Through TMI, we encourage communities and organizations to draw on their own assets to create change rather than looking to ‘outside experts’ for answers and assistance,” states Tim Penny, SMIF President & CEO.
SMIF believes that in order to achieve an entrepreneurial culture, we need the assets and involvement of these new populations within our region. The TMI grant provides an opportunity for communities to explore, leverage and align their existing assets to support immigrant workforce efforts and minority-owned businesses.
SMIF is looking for applications that are focused on one of the following two areas and outcomes:
New Immigrants in the Workforce – Build a collaborative community that supports full workforce involvement of new immigrants through training and employment opportunities.
Minority Entrepreneurs – Grow and/or strengthen minority-owned businesses through community based collaborative efforts.
An informational meeting about this Town Meeting Initiative grant will be held at the SMIF offices on March 19. Please register by e-mailing Teri Steckelberg at teri@smifoundation.org. After that, communities are invited to send a letter of intent by March 27 (email preferred) to Elise Davis (elised@smifoundation.org) noting the focus area(s) and reason for their interest. The Town Meeting Initiative applications are
due by April 24, 2009; selected communities will be notified by May 22, 2009.
For more information or to obtain a Town Meeting Initiative application, contact Elise Davis at 507-455-3215, or visit our website at www.smifoundation.org. Click on “Events & RFPs.”