Three longtime funding partners build on generosity with major donations

Minnesota Power Foundation commits $125,000 over five years to Youth In Philanthropy

The Minnesota Power Foundation recently committed $25,000 per year for the next five years in support of the KIDS PLUS Youth In Philanthropy Program. All the funds will “pass through” the Northland Foundation and be distributed in the form of grants made by Youth In Philanthropy's young members. The program has been renamed to reflect this generous commitment.

Minnesota Power has been a great supporter of Northland Foundation initiatives over the past two decades and played a key part in establishing Youth In Philanthropy 11 years ago. Since that time, more than 150 young people have gained hands-on experience with philanthropy and honed their leadership and communication skills through board service. Thousands more have had the opportunity to be involved in civic engagement in their communities through Youth In Philanthropy grants.

“The Minnesota Power Foundation has been a dependable partner year after year,” stated Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, “and this newest grant will make a lasting impact on the youth and communities of northeastern Minnesota.”

Youth Leadership Program sponsors Walter and Valerie Broughton increase support with a major gift

Walter Broughton and his wife, Valerie, have been friends of the Northland Foundation for 16 years.

Valerie has worked with teens since her days as a high school math teacher in Pennsylvania in 1972 and continues today in her role as an Independent Educational Consultant at the firm she founded, College Connectors. College Connectors provides guidance to teens and their families, helping them through the college search and application process.

Walter works at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management – Bank of America and is the foundation's financial advisor, providing guidance to the board of trustees to grow the foundation’s endowment. But, Walter and Valerie’s support for Northland has extended well beyond that of service provider and client.

Over the years, the Minneapolis couple has donated more than $72,000 to the Northland Foundation and its KIDS PLUS Conference and Youth Leadership Academy, which has largely been matched by Merrill Lynch. This past year, in addition to their generous annual KIDS PLUS donation, Valerie and Walter made a very special gift of $25,000 to the Northland Foundation.

When asked what inspires their giving, the Broughtons responded that they view the Northland Foundation as part of the village it takes to raise a child.

For 21st year, Essentia Health renews $25,000 for children, youth, and older adult grantmaking

Essentia Health has continued a 20-year tradition of support with the approval of a grant of $25,000 to the Northland Foundation.

With this newest commitment, Essentia will have provided a total of $525,000 since 1991 to Northland Foundation’s grantmaking and programs that benefit children, youth, and older adults in northeastern Minnesota. These generous grants have helped Northland leverage over $315,000 of additional funds.

“The longstanding relationship between our two organizations is something we value very deeply, not only for the work that Essentia's funding allows us to support but also for their ongoing trust in our stewardship,” stated Tom Renier, Northland Foundation President.