It started with an idea!  Community members from Heron Lake and Okabena founded the Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation (HLOCF) in 2001.  Under the leadership of the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), the HLOCF developed a mission statement and organized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  “SWIF is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a catalyst facilitating opportunities for economic, social, and cultural growth by promotion of philanthropy, leadership, innovation and collaboration in southwest Minnesota.”

The exclusive purpose of the HLOCF is to solicit funds and award grants to organizations that promote education and opportunities that enrich the communities of Heron Lake and Okabena.  Funds are raised through fundraisers, donations, mass mailings, memorials and charitable gifting.

The evolution of the Foundation Board has brought about a revision of the original mission statement.  We did some brainstorming and clarified the goals and objectives of the Foundation while still keeping the original focus of our mission in tact.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:  “To enrich the community by promoting education and opportunities in the hope of creating a legacy of pride and partnership.”