About Us

The Northland Foundation is a publicly supported foundation serving seven northeast Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, and all or parts of five Native nations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (District I), and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (District II).

Through grantmaking, an operating program, business lending and technical assistance, and special initiatives, we help people and communities in our region to move forward together.

Overarching the Foundation’s programs and initiatives are three intersecting Strategic Focus Areas: Children & Youth, Individual & Community Wellbeing, and Economy & Jobs.

Resources to fund our work are raised with the support of generous foundation, government, business, service organization, and individual partners and donors.

Mission

The Northland Foundation invests in people and communities to support a thriving northeast Minnesota.

Program Areas

• Grantmaking, guided by five priorities, to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities such as Tribal nations and school districts, as well as grants to Indigenous individuals for grassroots community building and Tribal sovereignty work.
  
• Business Services which include flexible lending and technical assistance to help small and medium-size businesses start up and grow, for a thriving rural economy and family-sustaining jobs.
• Programming to improve the wellbeing of children from birth to adulthood and connect older and younger generations through diverse, community-centered efforts.
  
• Convening, Training, and Special Initiatives offering learning opportunities and special programs delivered in collaboration with funding and technical assistance partners.

Core Values

Integrity. Be solid partners: ethical, reliable, and transparent. Keep the mission and values at the forefront. Walk the talk.

Respect. Listen with an open mind. Honor different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Practice kindness.

Empowerment. Trust communities to know their own challenges and strengths; Self-determination is a key to long-term success. Encourage that all voices be heard and all gifts valued. Meet people where they are.

Inclusiveness. Challenge ourselves, and others, to acknowledge privilege in all its forms. Be intentional to break down barriers and bring people together. Treat everyone equitably.

Request A Form 990

A copy of the Northland Foundation's most recent Form 990 is available upon request. Please contact us for a copy.