Northland Foundation

05/09/2026

Let's move to action! In partnership with Northspan Group, Inc. we are sparking a new approach to regional development & prosperity. Seven focus areas are set, starting with super-charged housing, investing in leadership development, and rebuilding local information systems. Join us for next steps.
➡️ Where: May 12 in Cloquet and Duluth. Registrations & details at northspan.org/thriving-rural-communities
➡️ Who: All who are curious and want to get involved--elected/appointed officials, economic developers, housing organizations, business owners, community members, visionaries, funders.
➡️ What: In alignment with the framework and research, sessions will touch on:
💠 what’s happening and what's missing in your community,
💠 who is working in that space now, who's not but should be and
💠 where we go from here.
Aitkin, Grand Rapids, Intl. Falls, Chisholm, Two Harbors, and Grand Marais sessions are scheduled, too. Check the website for dates and times.

04/17/2026

What will it take to ensure future growth and prosperity for Northeast MN? What's holding us back? Where should we rethink or rebuild?

Those are big questions, but we now have some pretty solid direction.

It's time to invite more potential partners to the table, spark collaboration, and accelerate into action. Join us in May and June!

Using the Aspen Institute's "Thrive Rural Framework", and working in partnership with the Northspan Group, we're rolling out a new approach to regional development.

From a year of research and a series of listening meetings last fall, 7 key action areas are the focus (think: simplified, super-charged housing ... investing in leadership development ... rebuilding local information systems). Now we are moving to action.

➡️ Who: Anyone who's curious and eager to get involved--local and regional elected/appointed officials, economic development and financing professionals, housing organizations, business leaders and community members, visionaries, funding/philanthropy ... the usual suspects and the not-so-usual.

➡️ What: Action sessions coming to a Northeast MN community near you! In alignment with the framework and research, we'll talk about:
💠 what’s happening and what's missing in your community,
💠 who is working in that space now,
💠 who is not part of the conversation but should be, and
💠 where to go from here.

➡️ When: May & June. Register for a session, and find the updated Regional Gaps Analysis report at https://www.northspan.org/thriving-rural-communities/

In 2024, the Northland Foundation and Northspan launched a regional assessment to explore underlying factors driving regional prosperity and move Northeast Minnesota toward action The resulting research project: Uses the Aspen Institute’s Thriving Rural Communities framework to create a first of i...

03/20/2026

NE Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, we've got exciting news for you!

Get FREE access to expert guidance and resources to boost your organizational strength! No cost to you - fully funded by us.

Choose from:
• Customized consulting with Propel Nonprofits
• Virtual leadership coaching & peer learning with Brico Works
• In-depth financial resiliency training with your team + Propel Nonprofits
• In-person training in Nonprofit Finance and Board Governance

Limited spots available. Apply now and take the first step towards a stronger tomorrow.https://bit.ly/np-support-resources

Introducing Nonprofit Support Resources, a Northland Foundation pilot program designed to help nonprofits build their core strength.

03/20/2026

Nonprofits: Spend your noon hour in learning mode! Wed. 3/25!

Has your organization been doing more with less? You’re not alone.

Across our region, nonprofits are navigating staffing gaps, rising costs, and growing demands. These aren’t individual challenges—they’re shared across our entire ecosystem.

Join Nonprofits Unite for Shared Services: Reducing Strain Through Collaboration, a Nonprofits Unite webinar exploring how organizations can work together to strengthen capacity and sustainability.

Janie and Eric will explore:
✔️ What shared services look like in practice
✔️ How small collaborations can lead to big impact
✔️ What it takes to make partnerships work
✔️ How to reframe capacity challenges as shared opportunities

This interactive session includes peer insights, reflection, and space for discussion, because we’re stronger when we learn together.

🔗 Register for upcoming webinars here:
https://luma.com/nonprofitsunite

💙Learn more about Nonprofits Unite:
https://www.borealwaters.org/nonprofits-unite

02/28/2026

March 14th is going to be a great day! Register now to reserve your spot.

Day at the DECC is coming together and WE cannot wait. 🙌

Early childhood friends — this one’s for YOU.

March 14th, 2026

✔️ A full day of learning
✔️ Real conversations
✔️ Time to reconnect with the people who get it

We’re partnering with Northland Foundation and welcoming a special message from the Department of Children, Youth and Families after lunch.

If you’ve been needing fresh energy, new ideas, and a room full of people who understand this work — this is your sign!

Tag your coworkers. Tag your director. Tag your EC bestie.
Let’s fill the DECC. 💛
Register here: https://app.developtoolmn.org/register.aspx?evid=454726

02/11/2026

Northeast MN Small Businesses!

Don't miss out on a $10k/$25k/$50k grant opportunity!
Apply by Feb 20, 2026

• Revenues between $10k-$750k (reported in 2024 taxes)
• Use funds for payroll, rent, utilities & equipment
Funding guidelines set by the Minnesota legislature.

Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/NF-promise-2

The Northland Foundation may offer special, time-limited grants for nonprofits or businesses above and beyond our regular grantmaking. Watch this page for current opportunities.

02/10/2026

Ready, set, learn! The next webinar in this special "fundraising for nonprofits" series happens Thursday, February 12 from 1-2:30 PM at no charge to NE MN nonprofit staff! REGISTER https://bit.ly/peterson-session-5

This session will help you:
> Understand and debunk misconceptions about endowments—such as the idea that they’re only for large organizations or that funds can’t be accessed—so your nonprofit can confidently explore long-term giving options.
> Explore different charitable giving vehicles, from bequests and donor-advised funds to gifts of stock or life insurance, and learn how they can provide lasting impact for your organization.
> Learn practical strategies to include legacy giving in your donor communications, appeals, and stewardship, turning planned giving into a regular part of your development efforts.

Expert presenter Jessica Peterson, with 17+ years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, heads development efforts at Boreal Waters Community Foundation . Her work helps strengthen donor engagement and expand charitable resources, with a special focus on legacy giving and endowment growth.

02/04/2026

If you're a nonprofit seeking to stand out for foundation funding and corporate giving, don't miss this Thursday's webinar, Feb. 2nd, 1-2:30 PM! Register at https://northlandfdn.org/events/

Our presenter, Bernard Boudreaux, will share:
>How to be FINDABLE and FUNDABLE for Foundation support.
>What a DONOR ADVISED FUND (DAF) is and how to best position for DAF grants.
>How and When to approach a BUSINESS/CORPORATION for support.

Boudreaux is the founder of Be Beneficent Consulting and former Director of the New Strategies program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Prior to New Strategies, he spent over 30 years with Target Corporation including as a Director within the Corporate Responsibility division. He is a frequent presenter at conferences on the importance of public/private partnerships.

01/29/2026

Early care and education professionals: The annual Day at DECC for providers is set for March 14! Register today!

🎉 It’s Conference Season — and we’ve got you covered! 🎉

✨ Up next: Day at the DECC in Duluth! ✨
📣 Registration is NOW OPEN!

📅 March 14 — join your fellow early childhood professionals and Northland Foundation for a fun, energizing day of learning, networking, and connection.

Whether you’re coming to learn something new, reconnect with colleagues, or just soak up some inspiration, this is a day you won’t want to miss!

👉 Register here:
https://app.developtoolmn.org/register.aspx?evid=454726

01/28/2026

Child care is an economic development, employer, and family issue. It is also an industry in crisis. Don't miss this discussion with Zane Bail, our Senior VP of Programs & Development, along with Courtney Greiner, Executive Director/Owner of Esko Minis Child Care & Preschool, and Laura Mullen, Chair of the Duluth 1200 Fund. Thanks to PBS North and Ken Buehler for highlighting this crucial topic! Now Streaming: https://youtu.be/voeDC44tIKw

Childcare costs are rising, and spots are getting harder to find. This week on In Business, we’re looking at how this impacts our local families and what’s being done to fix it. Plus, we take our "Orange Cone" tour through: 🏗️ Hibbing’s new $24.3M downtown redevelopment. 🏗️ The revitalization of Chestnut Street in Virginia. 🏗️ The brand-new Chisholm High School expansion!

💻 Now Streaming 🎧 Listen on Monday at 5:30 PM on The North 1033.