From the day we opened our doors in 1986, offering grants to benefit northeast Minnesota has been the bedrock of our work. Since then, in collaboration with many generous funding partners, we have awarded more than 6,500 grants totaling over $53 million and counting.

Along the way, the grant program has expanded and, we hope, improved. Time and feedback have led to changes—revisiting priorities, launching new programs like Maada’ookiing, shifting to more general operating support, and simplifying applications and reporting.

“Effective grantmaking can’t be too prescriptive and force grantees into narrow lanes of what we think they should do,” states Michelle Ufford, Director of Grantmaking. “At the same time, we can’t be all things to all people and spread limited resources broadly yet too thinly to do much good. There’s a sweet spot we try to hit.”

Here is a snapshot of Northland Foundation’s Grant Program today and the different opportunities currently available to grantseekers.

Ongoing grant opportunities

Northland currently offers three regular avenues throughout the year to access grant funds. Funding is awarded either three or four times annually, depending on the program. You can dig deeper into each opportunity in the Grants section of our website.

Quarterly Grants to Nonprofits or Government Entities

On a quarterly basis, the Northland Foundation awards grants of $10,000 and up to nonprofit organizations and government entities such as school districts and Tribal nations within our region. Quarterly application deadlines are January 5, April 1, July 1, and October 1.

• Aimed at nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, school districts, Tribal nations, and local governmental agencies. Most grants to nonprofits that are based in our region offer general operating support; other types of grantees including those headquartered outside the region but doing work here receive program-restricted funding for specific activities.
• Organizations apply using our online grant portal. Deadlines are January 5, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Approved grants are dispersed around 90 days after each deadline. Contact our Director of Grantmaking, Michelle Ufford with questions.

Maada’ookiing Grants to Native American Individuals or Groups

In many Native American traditions, the act of giving is recognized as a mutual act that benefits the entire community. Maada’ookiing (Ojibwemowin for “the distribution”) began in May 2021 to help support grassroots, Native-led community building that strengthens Native culture and communities. An advisory board of Native American representatives meets 3x per year to recommend grants up to $2,500 each.

• Available to individuals or groups who are Tribal citizens, descendants, or have kinship ties or affiliation for work taking place in Northland Foundation’s geographic service area. Types of projects eligible for funding include sharing cultural activities, strengthening access to language, supporting youth, and more.
• Applicants use an online application portal found on our website. Deadlines are February 15, May 15, and September 15. Awarded grants are dispersed about two months after the deadline. For questions, contact Program Officer, Cayla Bellanger DeGroat.

Youth In Philanthropy Grants to Children-and-Youth Led Projects

The Youth In Philanthropy Program is a unique advisory board made up of middle and high school students from around the region, guided by adult mentors, who gain hands-on experience with philanthropy and volunteer service at a young age. The “YIP” board meets 3x per year to recommend for funding grants up to $1,000 each to projects led by children and youth with help from adult advisors.

• The proposed project for funding must be planned and carried out by young people, and the grant itself written by children/youth, with support from an adult advisor. A fiscal agent is required e.g. school/school district, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, or other nonprofit.
• The application and budget template are fillable pdf forms found on our website. Deadlines are January 1, April 1, and October 1. Grants are dispersed about two months after each deadline. Contact Senior Program Officer, Jan Amys with questions.

Special, time-limited grant opportunities

Time-limited funding opportunities may also be available. These are grants that come and go, often (but not always) based on funding from outside sources. Depending on the grant, applications may be open to nonprofit organizations, individuals or small groups, or businesses or community development entities. Keep an eye on the Special Grants page of our website to stay abreast of unique funding opportunities.

Right now, several special grants are on offer. Two opportunities are designed help start, expand, or sustain child care operations in Greater St. Louis County, and the third is the state-funded Border County Economic Relief Program grants for Minnesota businesses in counties bordering Canada who lost revenues due to recent border and BWCA closures.

Grants, done well, get the right resources into the hands of changemakers doing the work of moving their communities forward. There is a continuous process of assessing and adjusting to make sure grant practices hit the mark, as best we can. Your feedback is always welcome. Stay in touch!