Program Highlights 2019-2020

We can all agree that 2019-2020 has been a time like no other, as the Foundation responded to the effects of a pandemic as well as delivered ongoing and new programs. A record amount of funds raised during the past year to benefit northeastern Minnesota during fiscal year 2020 and into the next three years. Below are selected highlights from July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020.

Overall Organization

• Raised $8,891,284 including large, multi-year grants to help fund grantmaking, business assistance, KIDS PLUS, and more in northeastern Minnesota. See a Funding Snapshot for more details.
• Became host of the Northland Small Business Development Center and its team of consultants who assist area businesses to start, manage, and grow.

Grant Program

• Concluded the Rural Aging Initiative (2017-2019) and launched the Integrated Rural Community Aging Program to help older adults age well in our region.
• Facilitated a team of 13 Indigenous leaders to design an emerging initiative, Maada’ookiing, with input from the region’s Tribal Nation, to create an individual grantmaking program that will strengthen and support Indigenous communities.
• Made 154 non-COVID related grants totaling $1,491,004 to community, Tribal, and nonprofit entities serving the region.

 

VIEW GRANTS

Use the drop-down to view non-COVID related grants awarded July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

Select one Children, Youth, and Families Individual and Community Wellbeing Economic Development and Community Vitality Aging Initiatives Youth in Philanthropy List All Grants

 

Business Assistance

• Received a $565,000 grant for loan capital from the U.S. Department of the Treasury CDFI Fund for loan capital to help start and sustain small businesses in the region.
• Closed $1.1 million in non-COVID related loans to 14 businesses in northeastern Minnesota.

Small Business Lending Summary

Total Loans:
1414 non-COVID related
(2 start-ups, 12 expansions)

Dollar Total:
$1,124,9851,124,985

Dollars Leveraged:
$5,198,3105,198,310

VIEW LOANS

Use the drop-down to view non-COVID related loans closed July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

Select one Start-Ups Expansions List All Loans

 

KIDS PLUS Program

• Administered $2 million in Minnesota Department of Education Early Learning Scholarships to help families of young children afford high-quality early care and education.
• Delivered the KIDS PLUS Youth In Philanthropy Program, a grantmaking board of five adult mentors and 16 high school students who awarded 17 grants totaling $15,460 to support youth-led projects.
• Connected 47 ninth grade students and 15 adult mentors from Duluth and Superior to hone their leadership abilities through our Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy.
• Engaged 10,280 people of all ages for intergenerational programming in 18 AGE to age and 8 AGE to age Reading Pals sites in the region.
• Hosted 33 trainings to help 757 participating child care providers to enhance program quality and achieve their Parent Aware Star Rating.
• Provided 19 trainings for 634 service providers working with young children and their families through the Thrive and Early Childhood Initiatives, to improve the health and social-emotional well-being of young children.

VIEW KIDS PLUS PROGRAMS

Early Childhood Programs
Youth Programs
Intergenerational Programs