Northland Foundation

08/21/2026

You're invited! Join us and Minnesota Public Radio's Kerri Miller on 9/21 for a lively discussion exploring the the future of our rural workforce. Invite your neighbors, colleagues and friends!
💠 REGISTER at bit.ly/talent-town-hall 💠
Monday, September 21
Rapids Brewing, 214 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN
✴Doors open at 5:00 pm – Food will be served
✴Discussion from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
✴Reception following

08/17/2026

Thank to McKnight Foundation for highlighting us and five fellow Minnesota Initiative Foundations. It’s an honor to serve rural northeast Minnesota people and communities.

07/21/2026

This month marks 40 years of mission-driven work in northeast Minnesota ... and 40 years of partnership with McKnight Foundation. They gave us and our fellow five Minnesota Initiative Foundations their start four decades ago, and that friendship and mutual respect continues strong today.

We are thankful for McKnight's belief in the power of place-based philanthropy and investment in our rural communities.

07/14/2026

💰 Grant Opportunity for Child Care Professionals with Children of Their Own!

Do you work in a licensed or certified child care program — and pay for care for your own child? You may qualify for the Minnesota Child Care Worker Grant, up to $5,000 a year, paid out quarterly.
Northland Foundation encourages eligible child care professionals across Northeast Minnesota to apply. Awards are first-come, first-served, so don't wait.
You may be eligible if you:
✅ Meet Minnesota Early Learning Scholarship income guidelines
✅ Are not currently receiving an Early Learning Scholarship or CCAP
✅ Work at least 32 hours/week providing direct care in a licensed setting
✅ Have qualifying child care expenses for your own child

📌 You'll also need to first complete an Early Learning Scholarship application (or already be on the wait list): https://bit.ly/els-hub-mn

📅 Apply by July 17, 2026 for priority consideration.

Know a child care professional who could use this? Share this post — it could make a real difference for their family.

🔗 More info & apply: https://www.gtcuw.org/childcare-worker-grant/

07/09/2026

💰 Grant Opportunity for Child Care Professionals with Children of Their Own!

Do you work in a licensed or certified child care program — and pay for care for your own child? You may qualify for the Minnesota Child Care Worker Grant, up to $5,000 a year, paid out quarterly.

Northland Foundation encourages eligible child care professionals across Northeast Minnesota to apply. Awards are first-come, first-served, so don't wait. You may be eligible if you:
✅ Meet Minnesota Early Learning Scholarship income guidelines
✅ Are not currently receiving an Early Learning Scholarship or CCAP
✅ Work at least 32 hours/week providing direct care in a licensed setting
✅ Have qualifying child care expenses for your own child

📌 You'll also need to first complete an Early Learning Scholarship application (or already be on the wait list): https://bit.ly/els-hub-mn

📅 Apply by July 17, 2026 for priority consideration.

Know a child care professional who could use this?Share this post — it could make a real difference for their family.

🔗 More info & apply: https://www.gtcuw.org/childcare-worker-grant/

07/09/2026

👋 Northeast MN early educators and child care providers -- this is for you!

You spend every day caring for children. It's important to take care of yourself, too❣

The new Minnesota Early Educator Benefits Program is one way Minnesota is investing in the early childhood workforce.

Eligible applicants may receive up to $55 per month toward selected benefits focused on your health and well-being.

Learn more here: https://dcyf.mn.gov/programs-directory/early-educator-benefits-program

07/06/2026

New - Please Share! What can $55 a month do for early educators?
It could help you pay for benefits that support your health and well-being, such as:
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Telehealth services
• Mental health support
• Legal services
• And more
Eligible early educators may receive up to $55 per month toward the benefits they choose. Applications are open now through September 11.
https://dcyf.mn.gov/programs-directory/early-educator-benefits-program

07/02/2026

Thanks to WDIO for sharing the news: seven recent Maada’ookiing grant recipients who will be putting funding awards to good work!

The Northland Foundation announces seven individuals have received $5,000 each in Maada’ookiing grants.

06/19/2026

Current and past 501(c)3 grantees … Is your northeast MN nonprofit seeking to grow stronger and work smarter?

Eligible direct service orgs in our region may receive up to 20 hours each of tailored consulting time with Propel Nonprofits experts!

✔️strategic retreat facilitation or work plan roadmap
✔️financial analysis and planning
✔️board training and development
✔️infrastructure and planning support e.g. succession plan, logic model, etc.
✔️other agreed-upon work

Details at https://bit.ly/nf-nonprofit-support

06/15/2026

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17: Let's move to action! In partnership with Northspan, we are sparking a new approach to regional development & prosperity. Focus areas are set, starting with (1) simplified, super-charged housing, (2) investing in leadership development, and (3) rebuilding local information systems. Be part of building momentum in your community and across our region!

➡️ Where: June 17 in Two Harbors and Grand Marais. 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 cover:
💠 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.

REGISTER at northspan.org/thriving-rural-communities