Highlights of Fiscal
Year 2012-2013

  • Provided a quality living environment and care to a total of 65 residents, and employment to 28 full time and 33 part time staff members, at Northland Village assisted living communities in McGregor, Buhl, and Hoyt Lakes.

  • Launched three new AGE to age communities:  Aitkin, International Falls, and Two Harbors, which join the original 10 sites in connecting older adults and young people for relationship-building and civic engagement.

The past year has been both challenging and exceptionally rewarding, as the Northland Foundation has worked with community and funding partners to spur meaningful change in northeastern Minnesota. Following are just some of the highlights – those “aha” moments – of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Please click here to also view a brief Financial Summary of fiscal year activities.

  • Surpassed the $50 million mark in both the unrestricted endowment funds as well as total loans made to small and medium sized businesses. These milestones represent the Northland Foundation’s continued commitment to be a resource for the people, businesses, and communities in our region both now and long into the future.
  • Granted $1,453,182 in a total of 246 awards made to nonprofit organizations to support their work serving the communities of northeastern Minnesota.
  • Responded to the June 2012 flood within days by establishing the Business Flood Recovery Fund
    • Secured funding from 13 corporate, foundation, and government partners
    • Distributed 81 grants of $5,000 or less to 68 small businesses
    • Awarded a total of $364,010
  • Earned the Program of Distinction designation from Generations United for the KIDS PLUS AGE to age: bringing generations together initiative.
  • Invested $2,688,537 through 21 loans to businesses and nonprofit organizations through the Business Finance Program. Of that, five loans totaling $227,773 were made through the new Quick-turn Equipment Loan program.
  • Received a $500,000 low-interest loan (equity equivalent investment) from the National Bank of Commerce in support of Business Finance Program lending to small and medium sized businesses in the region.
  • Partnered with 25 businesses, service organizations, and individuals to support the 2012-13 Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy which engaged 51 ninth grade students from Duluth and Superior, and 10 adult mentors.
  • Presented 53 KIDS PLUS Institute and other training opportunities, reaching 1,894 individuals with information provided by respected experts in their fields.
  • Partnered for the 16th year with the Valspar Foundation, awarding 696 gallons of paint products to 16 nonprofit and community groups in the region.
  • Rolled out new, web-based Grant Program application and reporting software to streamline the application process and improve access to information for grant recipients.
  • Awarded 28 Youth In Philanthropy grants totaling $24,733 to youth-led school and community improvement projects; grant-making decisions were made by a board of  8th-11th grade students with guidance from 5 adult advisors. Funding for Youth In Philanthropy grant awards is provided by the Minnesota Power Foundation.
  • Renewed the longtime partnership with Essentia Health which includes support for grants that benefit the wellbeing of children, families, and older adults, as well as the continuation of funding for the efforts of the Northland Foundation Thrive Initiative to promote infant and early childhood mental health.