SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION

Financials

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)

15 3RD AVE NW, HUTCHINSON, MN 55350-1643

Principal officer (990 for 2024)

SCOTT MARQUARDT, 15 3RD AVE NW, HUTCHINSON, MN 55350

Signed the 990

SCOTT MARQUARDT, PRESIDENT

Phone

(320) 587-4848

Website

WWW.SWIFOUNDATION.ORG

Return prepared by

BAKER TILLY ADVISORY GROUP LP

Mission

SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION'S (SWIF'S) ORIGINAL MISSION WAS TO STRENGTHEN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA IN THREE WAYS: IMPROVING THE REGION'S ECONOMIC SELF-RELIANCE, OVERCOMING HUMAN DISTRESS, AND PROMOTING REGIONAL LEADERSHIP COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIPS. THE FOUNDATION CONTINUES TO ADDRESS THESE BROAD AREAS AND SERVE AS A PARTNER THROUGH BUSINESS FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, GRANTMAKING AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING, AND COMMUNITY GIVING AND PHILANTHROPY.THE LASTING OUTCOME OF THIS WORK IS ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR ALL PEOPLE IN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA TO ATTAIN A REASONABLE STANDARD OF LIVING, EXPERIENCE THE DIGNITY THAT COMES FROM HAVING POWER AND AUTONOMY OVER THEIR LIVES, AND BE ENGAGED IN AND VALUED BY THEIR COMMUNITY.

Program accomplishments

• SEE SCHEDULE OCOMMUNITY IMPACT: THE SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION (SWIF) PROVIDES GRANTS AND PROGRAMS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE TO THRIVE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. OUR GRANTMAKING, PROACTIVE PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNITY LED BELONGING ACTIVITIES HELP CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE TO THRIVE IN THE COMMUNITIES THEY CALL HOME. THROUGH THESE EFFORTS, WE CAN LEAD INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE.SWIF CONTINUES WORK IN GROWING LOCAL: AN EIGHT-MONTH TRAINING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP UP-AND-COMING LEADERS DISCOVER AND BUILD UPON THEIR UNIQUE STRENGTHS SO THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAM HELPS CULTIVATE A VITAL LEADERSHIP PIPELINE IN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA BY SUPPORTING BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES WITH LEADERS WHO REFLECT THE MAKEUP OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. THE INITIAL COHORT GRADUATED 14 PARTICIPANTS, AND THE SECOND COHORT GRADUATED 13.SWIF SUPPORTS WELCOMING WEEK EFFORTS ACROSS SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA, RANGING FROM 6 TO 16 COMMUNITIES. THROUGH THIS, ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITIES BRING TOGETHER NEIGHBORS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS TO BUILD STRONG CONNECTIONS AND AFFIRM THE IMPORTANCE OF WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE PLACES IN ACHIEVING COLLECTIVE PROSPERITY. SWIF PROVIDES FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR WELCOMING WEEK CELEBRATIONS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS OUR REGION AS A PART OF OUR MEMBERSHIP IN WELCOMING AMERICA, THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION LEADING WELCOMING WEEK.SWIF EXPANDED THE WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES PROJECT TO LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY. THIS PROGRAM HELPS COMMUNITY MEMBERS BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND LEARN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY PRACTICES WHILE GROWING THEIR LOCAL NETWORK OF "WELCOMERS" WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT INCLUDING EVERYONE. COMMUNITIES APPLY TO BE PART OF THE PROJECT AND THEN PARTICIPATE IN MONTHLY COHORT MEETINGS TO SHARE TOOLS, SKILLS, AND STRATEGIES FOR WELCOMING AND INCLUSION.THE TEAM ALSO WORKS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY WELL-BEING BY SUPPORTING YOUTH AND FAMILIES AND IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND AWARENESS. THIS INCLUDES BEING A PARTNER IN THE SUICIDE AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS, AND CRISIS SUPPORT AND RESPONSE. SWIF ALSO SERVES THE REGIONAL NONPROFITS BY PROVIDING NONPROFIT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING TO BUILD CAPACITY AND SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATIONS' DEVELOPMENT.GRANTMAKING IS AT THE HEART OF OUR ROLE AS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. WE ACCEPT GRANT APPLICATIONS ON AN ONGOING BASIS AS WELL AS PROVIDING DEFINED GRANT ROUNDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. WE ALSO SERVE AS A PHILANTHROPIC INTERMEDIARY TO BRING ADDITIONAL GRANT DOLLARS INTO OUR REGION THROUGH PARTNER FOUNDATIONS.SWIF IS 1 OF 23 COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS ACROSS A 10-STATE NETWORK PARTICIPATING IN A PHILANTHROPIC PREPAREDNESS, RESILIENCY, AND EMERGENCY PARTNERSHIP. WE CONTINUE TO USE THE BEST PRACTICES LEARNED THROUGH THIS NETWORK IN DISASTER RESPONSE RECOVERY WORK WITHIN OUR REGION AS NEEDS ARISE.SWIF'S PAUL AND ALMA SCHWAN AGING TRUST ENDOWMENT FUND PROMOTES PRODUCTIVE AGING IN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA. ESTABLISHED IN 1991, THIS IS A KEY EXAMPLE OF LEGACY AND IMPACT DONORS CAN MAKE THROUGH SWIF. IT CONTINUES TO FUND AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY WORK LAUNCHED IN 2016 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MINNESOTA RIVER AREA AGENCY ON AGING AND THE PRAIRIE FIVE COMMUNITY ACTION. THIS FUND ALSO SUPPORTS A RESPONSIVE GRANT FUND FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS THAT REDUCE SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA BY FOSTERING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS.
  Expenses $1,844,129 · grants $678,631 · revenue $644,846
• COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PROGRAM: SEE SCHEDULE O.SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION'S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PROGRAM SETS UP GEOGRAPHICALLY FOCUSED FUNDS CALLED AFFILIATE FOUNDATIONS. THESE FUNDS HELP KEEP CHARITABLE DONATIONS IN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA AND DIRECT THEM TO LOCAL NEEDS. SINCE 1999, THE PROGRAM HAS GRANTED APPROXIMATELY $10 MILLION TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES IN THE REGION.THE PROGRAM INCLUDES 31 AFFILIATE FOUNDATIONS. EACH IS LED BY A VOLUNTEER ADVISORY BOARD OF LOCAL RESIDENTS. THESE VOLUNTEERS DECIDE WHICH PROJECTS TO SUPPORT AND HELP CONNECT DONATIONS WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS INCLUDE IMPROVING PARKS, FIXING SWIMMING POOLS, PROVIDING FOOD FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, SUPPORTING STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES, AND OTHER LOCAL PROGRAMS. BY COMBINING LOCAL LEADERSHIP WITH PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT, THE PROGRAM MAKES CHARITABLE DOLLARS GO FURTHER.SWIF HELPS AFFILIATES WITH ADMINISTRATION, FINANCES, AND INVESTMENTS. IT ALSO PROVIDES THE LEGAL AND TAX STRUCTURE NEEDED FOR COMPLIANCE AND DONOR CONFIDENCE. NEW AFFILIATES TAKE PART IN LAUNCH MEETINGS TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES. ALL AFFILIATES RECEIVE ONGOING GUIDANCE IN PLANNING, FUNDRAISING, MARKETING, GOVERNANCE, AND MAKING GRANTS.THE PROGRAM MANAGES MORE THAN 120 TYPES OF FUNDS THESE INCLUDE DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS, EMPLOYEE HARDSHIP FUNDS, EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS, AGENCY ENDOWMENTS, FIELD-OF -INTEREST FUNDS, AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS. DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS CAN BE ENDOWED OR NON- ENDOWED. THEY LET DONORS GIVE INPUT ON HOW THESE GRANTS ARE DISBURSED WHILE SWIF HANDLES THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.ALL SWIF FUNDS CAN RECEIVE DONATIONS IN MANY FORMS, INCLUDING CASH, STOCKS, REAL ESTATE, FARMLAND, AND PLANNED GIFTS SUCH AS CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES AND BEQUESTS. FARMLAND CAN REMAIN IN FARMING THROUGH SWIF'S "KEEP IT GROWING" PROGRAM GIVING DONORS A WAY TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY WHILE KEEPING LAND PRODUCTIVE.THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, SWIF CONNECTS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GIVE WITH THE RESOURCES COMMUNITIES NEED. THE AFFILIATE STRUCTURE KEEPS CHARITABLE DOLLARS LOCAL, SUPPORTING SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, PARKS, AND OTHER PROGRAMS. THESE EFFORTS HELP COMMUNITIES ACROSS SWIF'S 18-COUNTY SERVICE AREA GROW STRONGER AND THRIVE OVER TIME.
  Expenses $3,320,870 · grants $2,811,844
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: SEE SCHEDULE O.SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION PROVIDES FLEXIBLE AND INNOVATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS RETENTION, EXPANSION, STARTUP, AND OWNERSHIP SUCCESSION PROJECTS THROUGH ITS BUSINESS FINANCE PROGRAM AND ITS MICRO ENTERPRISE LOAN PROGRAM. ITS FINANCING PROGRAMS SUPPORT PROJECTS IN THE RETAIL, SERVICE, MANUFACTURING, CHILD CARE, HOSPITALITY, AND OTHER SECTORS, WITH A SPECIAL INTEREST IN SUPPORTING PROJECTS IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MANUFACTURING, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND BIOSCIENCE. IN ADDITION, THE MICRO ENTERPRISE LOAN PROGRAM PROVIDES VALUABLE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR BORROWERS IN THE AREAS OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING, AND MARKETING. SWIF IS ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT POPULATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN HISTORICALLY UNDERINVESTED IN BY THE MARKETPLACE, INCLUDING WOMEN, BIPOC ENTREPRENEURS, VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AND LOW-INCOME PEOPLE.SWIF ALSO OPERATES THE INITIATE PROSPERITY WEBSITE (IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHERN ECONOMIC INITIATIVES CORPORATION) WWW.INITIATEPROSPERITY.ORG, WHICH PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES, INCLUDING INTERACTIVE TOOLS, TEMPLATES, VIDEOS, AND GUIDES.SWIF IS A LENDER FOR THE MINNESOTA EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR LOAN PROGRAM THROUGH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. IN ADDITION TO BEING A MICRO LENDER THROUGH THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA), THE RURAL MICRO ENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LENDER THROUGH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA). SWIF IS ALSO A GRANTOR FOR THE MINNESOTA MAIN STREET ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION PROGRAM, IN ADDITION TO BEING A PARTNER FOR THE ELEVATE COMMUNITY BUSINESS ACADEMY AS PART OF THE RISING TIDE CAPITAL NETWORK.CHILD CARE IS THE FASTEST-GROWING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUE FACING OUR REGION. SWIF HAS DEVELOPED A MULTIFACETED RESPONSE FOCUSED ON FIVE ASPECTS: PROJECT INVESTMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC POLICY, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS.SWIF HAS SUPPORTED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS, IN ADDITION TO SPONSORING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RELATED PROGRAMMING, EVENTS, AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES. SWIF HAS ALSO SERVED AS A CONVENER, FACILITATOR, FUNDER, ADVOCATE, AND/OR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR FOR PROJECTS RELATED TO CAREER PATHWAYS AND CHILDCARE. OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES FACE UNIQUE CHALLENGES AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES TO COLLABORATE AROUND THESE AND OTHER ISSUES. KEY ISSUES FACING OUR REGION'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCLUDE CHILDCARE, HOUSING, AND BROADBAND.
  Expenses $4,441,494 · grants $2,111,664

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

IRS record

EIN

41-1555592

Tax-exempt status

501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization

Foundation status

Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))

Donations deductible (Pub 78)

Public charity, 50% deduction limit

Exempt since

1986

Accounting year ends

June

Files

Form 990 or 990-EZ

Category (NTEE)

Community improvement and capacity building (S400)

Assets (IRS master file)

$123,441,507

Income (IRS master file)

$34,206,415

Filing history

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 41-1555592).

Questions about SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION

What is the EIN of SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION?

The employer identification number (EIN) of SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION is 41-1555592.

Is SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION tax-exempt?

Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1986.

Are donations to SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION tax-deductible?

Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).

Which annual return does SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION file?

Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.

When is the next return of SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION due?

The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.

When did SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION last file with the IRS?

The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.

Who is the principal officer of SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION?

The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names SCOTT MARQUARDT.

Who are the officers and directors of SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION?

The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 11 people; 5 received compensation from the organization, the highest $142,054 (SCOTT MARQUARDT, PRESIDENT).

How much revenue does SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION have?

On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $14,711,866, expenses of $11,406,039 and total assets of $123,441,507 at year end.

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