Northland Foundation

The Northland Foundation is a publicly supported foundation serving seven northeastern Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, and all or parts of five Tribal Nations within the same geographic boundaries: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Through grantmaking, an operating program, business lending, and special initiatives, Northland Foundation helps people and communities in their region to move forward together.

Program Areas

• Grantmaking: Directing resources to nonprofit and community organizations within two main priorities: Children, Youth, and Families; and Individual and Community Wellbeing.
• KIDS PLUS Program: Improving the wellbeing of children and youth from birth to adulthood through diverse, community-centered initiatives. See AGE to age program handout for information on Intergenerational programing.
• Business Loans: Offering flexible lending to help small and medium-size businesses start up and grow, for a thriving rural economy with family-sustaining jobs.
• Convening, Training, and Special Initiatives: Providing learning opportunities and special initiatives alongside funding and technical assistance partners.