Funding partners invest in proven programs and transformational initiatives

Medica Foundation grant benefits infant and early childhood health and wellbeing efforts

The Northland Foundation has received a $5,000 Core Mission Support grant from the Medica Foundation to help continue the critical work of the Thrive and Early Childhood Initiatives, which focus on improving the health and wellbeing of children birth to age eight.

Resources from the Medica Foundation will help underwrite training and professional development opportunities aimed at strengthening local capacity for meeting the social and emotional needs of the region’s young children and their families.

“We are pleased to partner with the Medica Foundation to help ensure a healthier future for families and communities in northeastern Minnesota,” stated Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation’s Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director.

 

Funding from the Helen Bader Foundation supports youth and older adult community engagement and leadership

The Helen Bader Foundation has awarded a $30,000 grant over two years to support KIDS PLUS programming that cultivates leadership and volunteerism by tapping the talents and wisdom of people ages 50 and older to connect with youth. Based in Milwaukee, the Helen Bader Foundation supports innovative programs across Wisconsin through its Alzheimer’s and Aging program.

“It is a terrific boost to these programs that the Helen Bader Foundation has renewed its commitment to fostering interactions between older adults and youth while they participate together in leadership development and community service,” said Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, Lynn Haglin.

Approximately 50 ninth grade students from Superior, WI and Duluth, MN participate in the KIDS PLUS Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy each school year, honing their potential as leaders who will serve their schools and communities now and for years to come.

The Minnesota Power Youth In Philanthropy Program empowers a board of 8th to 12th graders from throughout the region to experience real-world grantmaking in support of youth-led projects. Both of these Northland Foundation programs engage adult and older adult volunteers to guide the young participants.

In addition to grant funding, KIDS PLUS relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and service organizations to deliver an array of programming and learning opportunities in the region.

Northland Foundation’s talent for innovation recognized by the Bush Foundation

The Bush Foundation recently recognized the Northland Foundation’s history of innovative philanthropy and programming by naming Northland as a finalist for the 2013 Bush Prize. Northland’s grassroots, community-driven intergenerational initiative, AGE to age: bringing generations together was one of 10 finalists in Minnesota selected from among hundreds of applicants.

“Although we were not named a 2013 Bush Prize winner, it was a privilege to be named a finalist and an unexpected bonus to receive a $10,000 unrestricted grant from the Bush Foundation, as well,” said Tom Renier, President of the Northland Foundation. “They have been longtime partners helping to support our innovative programming over the years.”

The Bush Prize for Community Innovation was established in 2013 to honor and support innovative organizations with a track record of making great ideas happen, providing creative capital for the selected organizations to use however they choose.