Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 17 grants totaling $300,000 to support rural improvements and child care needs in small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region, which includes Goodhue and Wabasha counties.
The Taylor Grants are supported by a generous donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation.
As 2024 was the pilot year for the grant programs, participation was limited to a small applicant pool.
The 2024 Taylor Rural Child Care Grant awards include:
$20,000 to Three Rivers Community Action Inc. on equipment, curriculum materials and office technology for a startup classroom that will be leased by a family child care provider in a commercial building in Wabasha.
The 2024 Taylor Rural Improvements Grant awards include:
$5,000 to Come Charge with Us in Wabasha to install an EV Charger downtown, benefiting visitors and local businesses.