Youth In Philanthropy Spring 2026 grants: 15 grants awarded by youth, for youth in northeast Minnesota

The grants will support a variety of projects planned and carried out by children and youth within the geographic area of northeastern Minnesota served by the foundation.

Across the three funding rounds this school year – October, January, and April – the group approved 37 grants totaling $29,097. Find details about all the projects that received award in fiscal year 2026 on our Recent Grants page.

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

Grants range up to $1,000 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 with application deadlines of October, January, and April 1. The next deadline to apply for a grant is October 1, 2026. Learn more and apply on our website.

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.

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YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY SPRING 2026 GRANTS

Northeast Range School – ISD 2142, Babbitt: $997
To promote student well-being by providing a safe, supportive environment to learn practical mental health strategies and self-care skills.

Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative, Duluth: $500
To provide a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging while building community.

Northern STEM Robotics, Two Harbors: $500
To inspire students’ interest in robotics and teamwork by creating an inclusive robotics program that grows participation.

Life House Inc., Duluth: $810
To promote the use of art to uplift marginalized communities, raise awareness, and inspire hope in the face of fear and violence.

Cromwell Wright School – ISD 095, Cromwell: $1,000
To ensure all students have access to books over the summer, preventing learning loss and supporting long-term reading success.

Mesabi East Schools – ISD 2711, Aurora: $1,000
To provide a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly Halloween celebration, fostering community connection through youth-led activities and food.

Barnum Schools – ISD 091, Barnum: $69
To expand access to outdoor winter recreation by maintaining a community shed that provides resources for all to participate.

Auntie’s House, Deer River: $1,000
To foster engagement and connection through community belonging by creating accessible opportunities for youth and families to participate in cultural experiences.

Superior High School, Superior: $1,000
To strengthen student connection, inclusion, and leadership for youth of all skill levels, building confidence and a more unified band community.

Robo Dweebs 5501, Two Harbors: $500
To support a successful robotics league by expanding opportunities and increasing community outreach by preparing program changes, while celebrating 14 years of teamwork and innovation.

Hibbing Public Schools ISD 701, Hibbing: $500

To provide equitable access to birthday celebrations by supplying ready-to-use cake kits, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to feel recognized and celebrated.

Duluth Community School Collaborative, Duluth: $1,000
To expand access to individualized mentorship by connecting students with community mentors, providing consistent one-on-one support that fosters personal growth, success, and career readiness.

REACH Program Youth-Adult Partnerships, Cloquet: $1,000
To create a safe, inclusive space where youth can openly discuss mental health and access peer support, while expanding awareness.

Superior Middle School, Superior: $600
To build connections between middle and elementary school students by providing mentorship, activities, and guidance that supports a smooth transition to middle school.

North St Louis County 4-H Federation, Virginia: $500
To enhance safety and accessibility at the 4-H dog show by creating a positive experience for both participants and their dogs.

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