Jeff Corey, Northland Foundation trustee, receives Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Community Service

Jeff Corey, executive director of the Duluth-based nonprofit, Northern Communities Land Trust, and a trustee of the Northland Foundation has been recognized for his outstanding service to community. Jeff, along with just five other recipients from around the state, was honored with a 2011 Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service.

The awards honor Minnesota residents who give their time to improve the lives of people in their communities.  A committee of six people working in human service fields across the state selected the finalists from nearly 90 nominations. Candidates for the awards are nominated confidentially by someone familiar with their work. No one may apply directly.

"The six individuals honored with these awards have demonstrated great energy and compassion in their work to help others," says McKnight's Board Chair Robert J. Struyk.  "By selflessly providing aid to those in need, they inspire all of us to do the same."

Hundreds of families in the Duluth area have benefited by Jeff’s dedication to affordable housing and social justice. During his 13 years leading Northern Communities Land Trust (NCLT), the nonprofit has completed more than 200 homes for low- and middle-income people, many of whom could not otherwise purchase a safe, updated, comfortable home. Jeff also helped develop a nonprofit subsidiary, Common Ground, providing construction services for NCLT projects as well as training and jobs to underemployed individuals. Both organizations are grantees of the Northland Foundation.

“Jeff’s vision and compassion have led NCLT to being among the most successful land trusts operating in the U.S. delivering the dream of home ownership to hundreds of families in the Duluth area,” said co-nominator Richard Fryberger, NCLT board chair.