MANKATO, MN – The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) has been awarded an $18,000 grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) to support collaborative programming. Funds from the grant will support several initiatives at the Museum, including access programs such as Gateway to Play memberships and Sensory Awareness Playtimes, community partnerships, and a Loose Parts Play Hub.
“We are grateful to accept this grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. SMIF has been such a strong supporter of Early Childhood in our region and we are honored to be a part of expanding their reach of engagement. This project will be a catalyst to help support new regional initiatives and collaborative partnerships that create, support, and connect resources to children and families in our region and beyond. This funding will also support the purchase of materials that our members and guests will engage with when playing and learning at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota,” said Kim Kleven, Vice President of Play and Learning.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) grants are awarded to nonprofits and local government units that support entrepreneurship, early childhood development and community vitality in SMIF’s 20-county region.
About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota. The Foundation has provided more than $154 million in grants, loans, and programming within the region during the past 37 years. SMIF’s key interests include entrepreneurship, early childhood development, and community vitality. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.smifoundation.org.