Northland Foundation Quarterly Grants

The Northland Foundation Quarterly Grants program is administered by the Northland Foundation, a place-based philanthropic organization serving northeastern Minnesota. This foundation has a strong regional focus, providing support to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities working within seven counties and five tribal nations in the state. The grantmaking approach centers on community-driven development and equity-oriented programming, with the foundation prioritizing local presence and community engagement. The quarterly grants are a core component of the foundation’s funding strategy, aimed at advancing key community priorities in its service area. The purpose of the Quarterly Grants program is to provide competitive funding to eligible organizations addressing critical community needs. Grants are awarded four times per year, with deadlines on January 5, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The minimum grant award is $10,000. The grant supports both general operating expenses and program-restricted activities, depending on the applicant’s type and location. Organizations with a physical presence in the region may receive general operating support, while those outside the region or governmental entities are eligible only for program-restricted grants. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with one or more of the foundation’s core funding priorities to increase their chances of selection. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal nations, educational institutions, school districts, and local government entities. Fiscal sponsorships are accepted for groups using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. All applicants must demonstrate that their project will benefit residents in one or more of the following Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, or the tribal nations of Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake District 1, or Mille Lacs District 2. Proposals from organizations without a local staffing or physical presence are generally discouraged. The funding priorities of the grant are broad but specific. These include Basic Needs (e.g., food security, affordable housing, homelessness services, aging support, health and wellbeing), Belonging (e.g., equity, inclusion, social opportunity), Domestic and Sexual Violence prevention and support, Early Childhood Care and Education (excluding child care start-ups or operations), and Out-of-School Time programs. Strategic approaches such as DEI, multi-generational strategies, collaboration, and systems change are encouraged to enhance proposal competitiveness. However, funding is not available for arts-focused programs, equipment-only purchases, capital projects, individual applicants (except for special grants), or services outside the region. Applications must be submitted through the Northland Foundation’s web-based grant portal, which was updated on May 20, 2025. All applicants, including past users, must create or reset their account before applying. Before submitting an application, interested organizations are encouraged to email grants@northlandfdn.org with basic proposal information. The grant committee reviews applications 3–4 weeks after each deadline, and site visits may be conducted for proposals that advance. Award notifications are issued approximately 90 days post-deadline, with payments made about 30 days after grant agreements are completed. For assistance with program questions, applicants may contact Michelle Ufford. Portal and reporting questions should be directed to Carol Chipman at carolc@northlandfdn.org or (218) 740-7309. The foundation emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reviewing application instructions and eligibility criteria prior to submission.

Review eligibility and funding criteria thoroughly and initiate contact before submission.