Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Mayo Clinic Partner to Strengthen Communities

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Owatonna, has announced a commitment from the Mayo Clinic to support the foundation’s work in helping create healthy, vibrant communities within 20 southern Minnesota counties.

The two-year $50,000 commitment to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is one of several grants from Mayo, an annual supporter of the foundation since 1995, contributing a total of $245,000 over the past 10 years.

"Mayo has a long relationship with Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and continues to be supportive of the initiatives in community success, business success, leadership development, and advocacy for the region," said Karel Weigel, administrator community relations. "We chose to direct our contribution to the foundation's grassroots initiatives and long range planning that will help communities build a solid foundation for economic development, infrastructure support and social well being."

"Thanks to the Mayo gift," notes foundation president Trixie Ann Golberg, "projects like the Owatonna College and University Literacy Center, the Workforce Literacy Alliance and the Bio Industry initiative will continue to support businesses and employment opportunities across southern Minnesota."