Minnesota Initiative Foundations

The Northland Foundation partners with the people of northeastern Minnesota to promote economic and social justice and enhance the vitality of the region.

Since 1986, the Grant Program has awarded more than $19 million to nonprofit organizations that help connect kids and community and strengthen families, encourage opportunities for self-reliance, and assist adults to age with independence. The Business Finance Program has supported economic prosperity and the creation of family-sustaining jobs through $40 million in small-business loans. An operating program, KIDS PLUS, was launched in 1990. Today it is a nationally recognized model for community organizing that stimulates a wealth of opportunities to nurture and value children, from birth to adulthood.

In addition to local and regional funding partnerships the Foundation focuses on attracting outside resources into the region, leveraging public and private support at the state and national levels.