Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awarded $15,418 worth of free paint to 16 projects across the region. Picture-It-Painted is a partnership between SMIF and Valspar Corp. in support of community beautification and restoration projects throughout southern Minnesota.

Since 1998, SMIF and Valspar Corp. have awarded more than $150,000 gallons of paint to nearly 200 projects in southern Minnesota. The grant is awarded to projects that will have a visual impact, provide a public benefit to the community and involve volunteer participation.

This year, nearly 600 gallons were awarded to these beautification projects in southern Minnesota:

• 92 gallons to the VINE Faith in Action, Mankato, for the Adult Community Center.

• 10 gallons to The Center Clinic, Dodge Center, for the playground at Midtown Center.

• 10 gallons to United Way of Freeborn County for mural projects at the Conservation Building.

• 15 gallons to the Freeborn County Fair for the 4-H Exhibit Building.

• 45 gallons to Pine Island Public Schools for the elementary school gym.

• 28 gallons to the Goodhue County Agricultural Society and Mechanics’ Institute for the Open Class Exhibit Building at the fairgrounds.

• 57 gallons to the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center for the Ballard House.

• 50 gallons to Camp Winnebago Inc. for the Barn and Schoolhouse.

• 33 gallons to Adams Town and Country Recreation Corp. for the bathhouse and pool.

• 14 gallons to the St. Peter Community Childcare Center for a mural project.

• 75 gallons to the Northfield Arts Guild for the theater building.

• 20 gallons to HealthFinders Collaborative for the clinic and wellness rooms in Faribault and Dundas.

• 25 gallons to Sibley County Agriculture Association for the historic judges stand at the fairgrounds.

• 22 gallons to the Zumbro Valley Community Growth Initiative for the Art Tour project.

• 42 gallons to the Waseca County Free Fair for the dairy/beef building.

• 55 gallons to Winona Friendship Center for a mural project.

“The Picture-it-Painted program reminds us that collaboration shapes and improves our communities. These projects involve a number of volunteers and will provide their communities with an asset they can enjoy for years to come,” said Tim Penny, SMIF president and CEO. “We are pleased to support these projects that will improve the look of our region.”