Summer 2011
President Jim Hoolihan and Program
Officer Mary Kosak share an award
given by the Northland Foundation.
Philanthropic partnership of two decades is still going strong
The Blandin Foundation and the Northland Foundation are both dedicated to strengthening the vitality of rural northeastern Minnesota communities and have been mutual supporters of one another for 20 years. This spring, Northland trustees and staff honored Blandin for its contributions which total more than $1.1 million to date.
Jim Hoolihan, Blandin Foundation President/CEO and Mary Kosak, Program Officer-Education and Youth, were presented an award as a token of Northland’s gratitude.
Community Leadership Program
Marks 25 Years with Regional
Alumni Gatherings
Since 1986, more than 5,700 leaders
from 380 rural Minnesota communities,
including numerous communities in
northeastern Minnesota, have participated
in the Blandin Community Leadership
Program (BCLP) and Blandin Reservation
Community Leadership Program (BRCLP).
To celebrate 25 years of building healthy
rural Minnesota communities, Blandin
Foundation is hosting six alumni
gatherings. BCLP and BRCLP alumni are
invited to join others from their region in
a series of reunion gatherings this fall.
Northeast Minnesota Region
Thursday, Sept. 15
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Lodge at Giants Ridge - Biwabik, MN
Register online by July 29th at
www.alumniconnect.ning.com or call
1-877-882-2257 (ask for Kris Hendricks)
The Northeastern Minnesota gathering is
sponsored by the Blandin Foundation, in
partnership with the Northland Foundation.
The relationship began in 1992 with support from Blandin for the launch of the KIDS PLUS Program. Blandin has since helped fund many KIDS PLUS initiatives as well as provided resources for Northland Assisted Living. The Grand-Rapids based organization has also given sponsorship support for numerous training opportunities hosted by the Northland Foundation.
“Our mission is helping rural Minnesota communities to thrive and that requires a focus on relationships, partnerships and leadership capacity that can be leveraged by many, especially in the Grand Rapids area,” stated Hoolihan.
Blandin Foundation has also given over $400,000 to the Northland Institute in support of the Minnesota Community Capital Fund and the Minnesota Employee Ownership Fund.
“Beyond the financial resources they provide, the Blandin Foundation also brings ideas, experience, and technical support to the table. They are outstanding collaborators in community development efforts,” said Northland Foundation’s President, Tom Renier.