Funding partners support young children and families in our rural region

The McKnight Foundation champions early childhood efforts in Greater Minnesota with three-year commitment

The Northland Foundation and five other Minnesota Initiative Foundations are recipients of a three-year, $900,000 grant from The McKnight Foundation. With this grant award, McKnight renews its strong, ongoing commitment to early childhood development, the statewide network of 90-plus early childhood coalitions, and PreK-3rd Grade efforts in Greater Minnesota.

The Northland Foundation will receive $50,000 per year for three years, to continue supporting the Early Childhood Initiative in 12 communities, as well as offer training and technical support to further strengthen the PreK-3rd grade learning continuum throughout the region.

“The McKnight Foundation’s deep understanding of the importance of the early years has made a difference to countless young children, families and communities,” said Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director.

“This new grant will help sustain progress in the Arrowhead Region and, we hope, leverage additional funding for the incredible work happening all across northeastern Minnesota,” she concluded.

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation and The Sheltering Arms Foundation support Parent Aware Pathways

Child care providers and families with young children in the Arrowhead Region are benefiting from grant support provided by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation and The Sheltering Arms Foundation. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation awarded $100,000 and The Sheltering Arms Foundation awarded $20,000 to enhance and expand Parent Aware Pathways in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Lake, Koochiching and St. Louis Counties.

Parent Aware Pathways is a unique, three-year initiative established by the Northland Foundation to increase access to high-quality child care in northeastern Minnesota. Northland, in partnership with Child Care Aware–Minnesota Northeast District, is connecting with licensed child care providers with information and training incentives to become Parent Aware-rated or enhance their current rating.

“Northeastern Minnesota has the highest Parent Aware participation in Greater Minnesota to-date,” stated Wendy Walburg, Coordinator for the Child Care Aware Minnesota Northeast District.

“With the support of the Northland Foundation and funding partners, we are redefining child care programs to include teaching and assessment in preparation for school success,” Walburg added.