Northland Foundation announces 29 Quarterly Grants awarded July-September 2025

More than $725,000 in funding awarded, with a majority for food and housing security

The Northland Foundation awarded 29 grants totaling $728,750 through its Quarterly Grant program during July, August, and September. A large share of the grants went to organizations addressing food insecurity in communities throughout northeastern Minnesota, including food banks, food shelves, and other food distribution programs.

“Food insecurity is a reality in this region. More people are facing empty cupboards and skipping meals. Community-based resources are working hard, and we have focused more funding in that direction, but there is still a great need,” stated Michelle Ufford, Vice President of Grantmaking at the foundation.

“Food shelves, pantries, meal programs, and shelters in our local communities are seeing big upticks in clients. In the spirit of the season, and as cold weather adds more stress to households struggling to afford food, I would encourage those who can, to donate or volunteer,” Ufford said.

Quarterly grants from the foundation typically are awarded to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, Tribal nations, and local governmental entities such as school districts.

Northland Foundation Quarterly Grants awarded July 1 – September 30, 2025, are listed below.

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BASIC NEEDS Grants for services and programming that address human needs essential to overall well-being, such as food security, housing, aging, homeless services, and more.

Northome Community Food Shelf, Northome: $5,625
To support food security in the Northome area.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Big Sandy, McGregor: $8,125
To support food security in the McGregor area.

Northern Itasca Emergency Food Shelf Inc., Big Fork: $8,125
To support food security in the Big Fork area.

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, Virginia: $17,750
To support food security in the Tower, Aurora, and Biwabik areas.

Carmel Lutheran Church – ELCA, Jacobson: $8,125
To support food security in the Jacobson area.

Second Harvest Northland, Duluth: $8,125
To support food security in the Duluth area.

Hill City Area Food Shelf, Hill City: $8,625
To support food security in the Hill City area.

Deer River Area Food Shelf, Deer River: $9,125
To support food security in the Deer River area.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Shelf, Nashwauk: $9,125
To support food security in the Nashwauk area.

Floodwood Area Food Shelf, Floodwood: $8,625
To support food security in the Floodwood area.

Cook Community Food Shelf, Cook: $8,625
To support food security in the Cook area.

Duluth Center for Women and Children, Duluth: $40,000
To support food box delivery services for families experiencing food insecurity in the Duluth area.

Community Cafe Inc., Grand Rapids: $25,000
To support meal distribution for those experiencing food insecurity in Itasca County.

Second Harvest Northland, Duluth: $50,000
To support food access and distribution for families experiencing food insecurity in northeastern Minnesota.

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, Virginia: $17,500
To support emergency food assistance in Chisholm and the surrounding areas.

One Roof Community Housing, Duluth: $50,000
To support services that increase homeownership and home rehabilitation assistance for families in Duluth.

American Indian Community Housing Organization, Duluth: $50,000
To support permanent supportive housing, case management, and cultural programming in Duluth.

Union Gospel Mission, Duluth: $35,000
To support emergency shelter and food security services in Duluth.

Grace House of Itasca County, Grand Rapids: $20,000
To provide emergency shelter and community resources for unhoused families and individuals in Grand Rapids.

KOOTASCA Community Action Inc., Grand Rapids: $50,000
To support food security and affordable housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Itasca and Koochiching counties.

Churches United In Ministry, Duluth: $30,000
To support permanent supportive housing and youth and family services for families facing long-term homelessness in Duluth.

Together for Life Northland, Inc., Duluth: $35,000
To support safe supportive housing and 24/7 program and care coordination for pregnant women and mothers with young children who are experiencing homelessness or instability in northeastern Minnesota.

Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Saint Paul: $20,000
To support programming that promotes access to community-driven, age-appropriate, and medically accurate sex education for young people and adults in the Duluth area.

Children’s Dental Services, Inc., Minneapolis: $3,000
To support access to comprehensive, trauma-informed preventive and restorative dental care and oral health education for patients in northeastern Minnesota.

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