LOOK BACK/LOOK AHEAD

The Northland Foundation weaves together connections between people, organizations, and resources. How? We raise and distribute FUNDS for northeastern Minnesota, we CONVENE people and organizations to learn and collaborate, and we INSPIRE others to action by sharing data and information.

Take a look back at the past fiscal year and get a glimpse at some of the themes that will be woven through our work this year.

highlights vision

2018-2019 FUND LOOK BACK

Awarded 194 grants totaling $1,633,465 to nonprofit, school district, public, and Tribal entities.

Made 25 loans totaling $2,018,472 to 6 start-ups and 19 existing businesses, helping create/keep 171 jobs in the region.

 

Guided the KIDS PLUS Youth In Philanthropy Board, which awarded 26 grants totaling $20,069 with key funding from the Minnesota Power Foundation, Scott and Holly Martin, and other Emeritus Trustee Group members.

 

Held 116 meetings, trainings, and conferences in the region that engaged 3,314 people; including the two-day Nurturing the Northland Conference.

Presented at 7 development lending forums aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs in Grand Marais, Ely, Hermantown, Fond du Lac Reservation, Grand Rapids, and Eveleth.

2018-2019 CONVENE LOOK BACK

Launched new AGE to age sites in East Range and Barnum, and re-ignited Itasca County in Bigfork, with a series of community meetings.

Connected 42 ninth graders and 14 adult mentors in the KIDS PLUS Youth Leadership Academy, a 9-month long interactive leadership learning program.

2018-2019 INSPIRE LOOK BACK

Commissioned and shared research on the Economic Impacts of the Child Care Shortage in Northeastern Minnesota to spark community discussion and action.

 

Hosted a regional BEtter OUTcomes Initiative Learning Community of Practice led by the PFund Foundation to strengthen LGBTQ-inclusive philanthropy.

Informed national audiences about our aging and intergenerational work at the Generations United, Grantmakers in Aging, and AARP International conferences.

 

Native-led Philanthropy: We will support the creation of a Native-led Philanthropy Initiative to be designed by members of the region’s Tribal Nations.

Child Care Quality, Availability, and Access: We will complement our ongoing child care strategies with new opportunities for communities to expand child care access.

 

2019-2020 LOOK AHEAD

Aging and Intergenerational Efforts: We will build on our significant work on behalf of older adults and connecting the generations to improve the wellbeing of children and youth, communities, and adults ages 55+.

Economic Development Expansion: We will host the Northeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center, which offers technical assistance and training for business start-ups and expansions.