Our Mission

To enrich our quality of life and provide a legacy by connecting charitable donors to community vision.
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Donate

Make gifts to new or existing funds, or support our permanent endowment fund to help meet the changing needs of our community.
GIVING OPTIONS

Grants & Awards

Grants, whose aims are to strengthen community core values and structure, are awarded to non-profit organizations.
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Our Community

We're pleased to provide private sector donors a local venue for charitable, tax-deductible, gifts to improve the area community.
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IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, DONORS SUPPORTED PROGRAMS THAT SERVED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN FOUR COMMUNITIES.

Supporting Local Initiatives Helps Our Communities Thrive

Your Gift Gives Back to the Benson Area

WAYS TO GIVE

Write A Personal Check
The simplest method of giving is to write a personal check to the Benson Area Community Foundation, or visit swifoundation.org/donate to give to us online with your credit card. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and help us to empower the people, businesses and organizations in and around the Benson community.
Appreciated Securities
Giving appreciated securities has great tax advantages. You’ll receive an income tax deduction equal to the market value of the stock. And, you avoid capital gains tax.
Grain/Commodities
Commodities can also make a great gift. You deliver the commodities to a local elevator and gift them in Southwest Initiative Foundation’s name (the elevator should contact Southwest Initiative Foundation right away). Your specific tax benefits depend on whether you claim the commodities as part of your income before gifting them.
Farmland
Farmland can be gifted to us, sold and converted to cash for an immediate charitable impact, or it can be retained in Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Keep It Growing℠ program. This unique program allows Southwest Initiative Foundation to maintain ownership of the land, with the annual rental income passing to the Benson Area Community Foundation to support our mission.
Bequests
A provision or bequest in your will allows you to make a substantial contribution without diminishing assets available to you during your lifetime. You simply name Southwest Initiative Foundation, for the benefit of Benson Area Community Foundation in your will.
Retirement Plans
Naming us as beneficiary of your retirement plan account(s) avoids income tax. IRA assets often make the best charitable gift because of the significant tax savings that can be accomplished. You simply name Southwest Initiative Foundation, for the benefit of Benson Area Community Foundation using your plan administrator’s beneficiary designation form.
Charitable Gift Annuity
In exchange for a gift of cash or securities, Southwest Initiative Foundation will pay you and/or a loved one a fixed amount annually for the rest of your life. A portion of this income is not taxed, and you also receive a tax deduction for part of your gift. This is a great strategy to save taxes, yet still receive a fixed payment for your lifetime.

SOME OF OUR GRANT PROJECTS