Youth In Philanthropy board awards 11 Fall 2025 grants

The Northland Foundation and the young people serving on its Youth In Philanthropy Program Board awarded 11 grants totaling $9,105 in their fall 2025 funding round to projects within the geographic area that the foundation serves.

Middle and high school students appointed to serve on the Youth In Philanthropy Board make real-world grantmaking decisions with guidance from volunteer adult mentors. This year’s board includes students from Cherry, Duluth, East Range (Mesabi East), Hermantown, Superior, and Two Harbors.

Grants range up to $1000 each for school and community projects within northeast Minnesota communities or the border community of Superior, Wisconsin. Children and youth must complete the grant application and carry out the project with the support of an adult advisor.

There are three grant rounds per year: October, January, and April. Upcoming application deadlines are January 1 and April 1. Learn more and apply on our website.

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YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY FALL 2025 GRANTS The Youth In Philanthropy Program receives funding support from the Scott and Holly Martin Family Foundation, members of the Northland Foundation’s Emeritus Trustee Group, and the Northland Foundation.

Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative, Duluth: $1,000
To support a project that provides a safe, affirming, and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves freely and promote belonging.

Northern STEM Robotics, Two Harbors: $500
To help expand equitable access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) opportunities for girls by providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure to STEM career pathways.

Duluth Community School Collaborative, Duluth: $1,000
To support strong youth-adult partnerships that support student leadership, improve mental health, and cultivate a more connected and inclusive community.

Mesabi East Schools – ISD 2711, Aurora: $1,000
To promote positive mental health and foster a joyful sense of community during the holiday season.

Ely Public Schools – ISD 696, Ely: $950
To support the redesign and transformation of an uninviting clothes closet into a fresh, safe, accessible space for students-in-need to comfortably access clothing.

Proctor Public Schools – ISD 704, Proctor: $750
To support the well-being of graduating students by creating a secure, chemical-free celebration that keeps them together, engaged, and enjoying a memorable night of fun and connection.

Smart North, Minneapolis: $435
To foster a supportive environment in Grand Rapids where everyone feels valued and comfortable, and to encourage more girls to explore and participate in creative technology opportunities.

Smart North, Minneapolis: $470
To support an improved indoor and outdoor space in Deer River where youth can be active together with new games, creative activities, and tech-based engagement opportunities.

Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Saint Paul: $1,000
To support the unhoused community in northeastern Minnesota through resource distribution while promoting a stronger, more accurate understanding of harm reduction and its role in reducing negative social and physical impacts.

Robo Dweebs 5501, Two Harbors: $1,000
To support students in the First LEGO League, where they use robotics and LEGO-based challenges to design solutions to real-world problems and develop essential problem-solving skills.

Duluth Robotics, Duluth: $1,000
To support a hands-on problem-solving scrimmage to help prepare students for a successful competition season and fosters long-term interest in science and technology.

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