Central Mesabi Fund for Human Services in Minnesota

The Central Mesabi Fund for Human Services is a funding initiative offered through the Boreal Waters Community Foundation. This fund supports nonprofit agencies that provide direct services to low-income individuals and families, focusing on meeting basic needs and helping people overcome everyday challenges. Its mission is grounded in strengthening the social safety net within a specific geographic corridor in northeastern Minnesota. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a clear financial need and can show strong programmatic impact or merit. Organizations applying should be able to document the scale of need being addressed and the effectiveness of their service delivery. The fund seeks to empower communities by supporting agencies that serve as critical lifelines to vulnerable populations, especially in underserved or economically strained areas. Funding may be used for both special projects and general operating support, providing flexibility to address a wide range of service gaps and capacity needs. However, requests for equipment purchases or capital improvements are generally not funded. The emphasis remains on programming and operational capacity that directly benefit service recipients. Applicants are expected to clearly link their activities to the fund’s goal of supporting low-income individuals and families. The geographic focus of the Central Mesabi Fund is defined as the communities located between Coleraine on the west and Mountain Iron on the east. This includes the central stretch of the Mesabi Iron Range in Minnesota, a historically significant mining region. Applicants must provide services within this area to be eligible for funding consideration. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public entities classified under Section 170(c)(1), Section 7871 tribal governments, churches, or groups with qualified fiscal sponsors. All services must be delivered within the designated Central Mesabi corridor. The Fall 2025 grant cycle opens August 12 and closes September 15. Applications will be reviewed between September 24 and October 27. Decisions will be announced on November 19, with grants disbursed by November 26. Projects funded under this grant may begin on or after January 1, 2026, and must be completed within 12 months. There is no pre-application or letter of intent phase required. Questions regarding eligibility, geographic scope, or application procedures may be directed to Kursula Harris, Senior Community Impact Associate, at kursula@borealwaters.org.

Demonstrate financial need and clearly articulate the connection between service delivery and direct impact on low-income individuals or families.