Pilot program to build nonprofits’ core strength
Introducing a menu of nonprofit supports
Nonprofits carry big responsibilities—often with limited resources. But even the most dedicated organizations need support to keep going—and growing.
That’s where the Northland Foundation is stepping in, along with others like the Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Nonprofits Unite.
In March we rolled out Nonprofit Support Resources. This new pilot initiative aims to help regional 501(c)(3) nonprofits build internal capacity and stay resilient for the long haul. It offers four avenues for organizations to engage: leadership coaching and peer learning facilitated by Brico Works and financial resiliency, individualized consulting, and in-person trainings delivered by Propel Nonprofits.
“Nonprofit organizations in our rural region deal with problems similar to for-profit businesses but with their own unique twists,” said Michelle Ufford, Vice President of Grantmaking, who is coordinating the pilot program. “Nonprofits are important to our regional economy. We all will be stronger—staff, board, communities, and those receiving services—when these essential service providers are better resourced and supported.”
This opportunity is fully funded, with all offerings provided at no cost. Participation does require a time commitment, so applicants are encouraged to review details carefully before applying. Check eligibility, time frames, and requirements before applying, and please reach out to us with any questions!
Virtual Leadership Coaching & Peer Learning Cohorts
Apply by April 10 for Cohort 1.
Offered in partnership with Brico Works, this 10-month leadership development experience will support emerging or mid-level nonprofit staff to grow their leadership confidence, cultivate a regional network of peers, and develop sustainable leadership habits. A virtual cohort model allows emerging leaders to participate without traveling.
Brico will facilitate two Virtual Change Cohorts of eight people each to engage together in 2-hour virtual sessions held once a month for 10 months.
- Staff working for direct-service, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations within our service area.
- COHORT 1 April 2026 – January 2027: Apply by April 10 or nominate someone you know.
- COHORT 2 October 2026 – June 2027: Fill out an Interest Form now to stay in the loop.
Click here for a program flyer, or visit our website or Brico’s website for more details.
Individualized Consulting
Apply today! Application period will remain open until capacity is full.
Starting in spring 2026, Propel Nonprofits will provide confidential consulting/technical assistance, up to 20 hours each, for a limited number of 501(c)(3) organizations within our region.
Propel will work closely with a small team from each organization. Focus areas might include strategic retreat facilitation or work plans for an existing strategic plan, board training & development, financial analysis & planning, infrastructure and capacity planning support, etc. Find the full menu of Propel’s available services.
- Open to current/past Northland Foundation grantees providing direct services.
- Depending on the type of project, work may span a period of several months.
Please review program details on our website before applying
Organizations cannot participate in both the Individualized Consulting and the Financial Resiliency Cohort. All work is confidential, and participation will not affect eligibility for Northland Foundation grant programs.
Nonprofit Financial Resiliency Cohort
Applications due by end of day April 6.
In partnership with Propel Nonprofits, a Nonprofit Financial Resiliency Cohort will combine training and consulting for up to 10 past or current nonprofit grantees within our region. Selected organizations must commit to including their executive director, head of financials, and a board member in this work.
- Open to current/past Northland Foundation grantees providing direct services.
- Best suited to those with annual budgets of $150,000 – $3 million and multiple programs or revenue streams.
- Three-hour online learning sessions held April 21, May 19, and June 23, plus access to 10 hours of individual consulting and support to implement action steps.
Please review program details on our website before applying. Apply through April 6.
Organizations cannot participate in both the Individualized Consulting and the Financial Resiliency Cohort. All work is confidential, and participation will not affect eligibility for Northland Foundation grant programs.
In-person Finance and Board Governance Training Sessions
July 28 in Duluth and September 23 on the Iron Range.
Propel Nonprofits will lead half-day, in-person training sessions, free of charge! Newer, less experienced nonprofit staff or board members will come away with a better understanding of the basics of finance and board governance.
Register for a half-day morning session (Fundamentals of Nonprofit Finance), a half-day afternoon session (Fundamentals of Nonprofit Board Governance), or both (full day). Registration is first-come first-served and limited to 40 people per session.
- REGISTER FOR DULUTH sessions: July 29, 2026 – exact location to be announced
- REGISTER FOR IRON RANGE sessions: September 23, 2026 – exact location to be announced
Visit our website for session details.