Our Region
& Story
The Northland Foundation was created to be an “on the ground” resource for Northeast Minnesota counties and Native nations within a shared geographic footprint.
Our History
In 1986, with key support from the McKnight Foundation and a team of state and regional leaders, the Northland Foundation was established. We were, and are now, one of six Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIFs, for short) which together cover all of Greater Minnesota.
We, along with our five MIF counterparts, are independent entities working to strengthen our rural regions with a distinct mix of grants, small business loans and entrepreneurship support, priorities, and initiatives. At times, we also collaborate to deliver resources and opportunities statewide. Today we are nationally recognized as a highly unique and successful model of rural philanthropy.
Area We Serve
The Northland Foundation works within 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).
This region is the traditional homelands of the Ojibwe, Dakota, Northern Cheyenne, and other Native nations. We humbly acknowledge that we are on traditional Indigenous land that holds a long history, one that continues to grow with the contemporary people who live here today. We invite you to learn more by reading the full land acknowledgement.
Impact
Since 1986
6,715
Number of Grants
$56M
Grant Dollars Awarded
$75M
Small Business Loans
$150M
Funds Raised for Our Region
To make this work possible, we raise funds from a wide range of partners, including government, foundations, businesses, service organizations, and individuals.
Moving Forward
Northland has grown from modest grantmaker to multi-faceted organization. The foundation is always evolving but stays grounded in the belief that, with the right resources, it is the people in communities who make positive, lasting change.
Grant funding, small business support, community-based programs, training, and convening are the tools we bring to the table.
In cooperation with many dedicated partners and guided by our Board of Trustees, the Northland Foundation continues to learn and grow. Together we are working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.