Funding partners support key initiatives

Otto Bremer Foundation bolsters AGE to age Enhancement

The Otto Bremer Foundation recently awarded $190,000 to the Northland Foundation for the AGE to age Enhancement Initiative.  Resources from the two-year grant award will support intergenerational initiatives in the two newest AGE to age sites located in the Bremer Bank communities of Aitkin, McGregor, and International Falls, as well as enhance intergenerational efforts in the area’s three Indian Reservations of Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, and Grand Portage. 

The Northland Foundation’s AGE to age initiative provides unique avenues for youth, older adults and the generations-in-between in 13 rural communities and Indian Reservations to develop friendships, tap their talents and skills, and strengthen their communities. It also provides two- and four-year college students with internship opportunities each summer.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Otto Bremer Foundation. They have been instrumental in helping six AGE to age sites to provide an intentional pathway to connect generations and enhance community vitality,” stated Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director.

 

Generations United re-designates AGE to age as a Program of Distinction

Generations United has announced that the Northland Foundation’s AGE to age: bringing generations together has been re-designated as a Program of Distinction, one of nine across the U.S. to receive this honor.

Generations United launched the Program of Distinction designation in 2010 to recognize excellence while celebrating the rich diversity among intergenerational programs.

“The Program of Distinction designation is the U.S. ‘seal of approval’,” said Donna Butts, Generations United executive director.

“Achieving this recognition is a major accomplishment and says a program employs best practices and effectively serves the surrounding community,” added Butts.

Medica Foundation Core Mission Grant supports healthier future for young children and families in region

The Medica Foundation is continuing its partnership with the Northland Foundation with a $5,000 Core Mission Support grant 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 provide funding for 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.

“Our Early Childhood and Thrive coalitions have terrific energy and momentum, and this Medica Foundation support will help to sustain that,” stated Lynn Haglin, Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director.