As a force and resource for Northwest Minnesota, we champion ideas that stabilize and strengthen communities — connecting people, places, and possibilities to build better lives across the region.
Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s grantmaking is anchored in place-based lending and grants that build housing, child care, and community infrastructure across Northwest Minnesota. In the recent grants list, one of the largest awards went to Boys & Girls Club of Red Lake for $500,000, alongside a $440,000 grant to Greater Bemidjiinc for the DEED Main Street Project involving the Wellness Center pre-design and the Mayflower Building project. Those awards reflect a pattern of support for facilities, revitalization, and services that affect daily life in small towns and tribal communities. The foundation also funds organizations working on children and families, economic development, and housing. Recent examples include $300,000 to Inter-county Community Council Inc and $250,000 to Minnesota Housing Partnership for housing. Other grants show attention to local institutions and community spaces, with awards to school districts, child care providers, and arts organizations. As a community foundation with a regional focus, it uses grants and financing to support organizations serving Northwest Minnesota and nearby tribal nations.
Child care appears as a recurring priority. Northwest Minnesota Foundation gave $227,250 to White Earth Child Care Program for the Community Collaborative Conference, and $152,000 to St Phillips Catholic Church for a child care center. It also supported Lil Chompers Child Care with a $71,000 grant for child care. Housing and community development are another clear thread. The foundation awarded $158,450 to Low Idc Funds for participation in the construction of new homes, $120,000 to Sweet Clover Building LLC for building renovation, and $99,750 to Greenlaw Homes LLC for Monroe Plaza. Education and local capacity-building also show up in the recent grants. Bemidji Area School District #31 received $189,078 for athletics and classroom equipment, while Northwest Technical College of Bemi received $110,000. In the arts, Firefly Center for the Arts and Wellbeing received $244,135 for remodeling.
Typical grant size sits at $10,000 at both the 25th percentile and median, with the 75th percentile at $20,375. The recent awards table shows that the foundation also makes larger capital and project grants well above that range, including several six-figure awards. The data shows repeated support across years for themes like housing, child care, and community facilities, indicating an ongoing regional grantmaking pattern rather than a single one-off campaign. Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a mixed community foundation, and the listed programs include both discretionary grants and lending, with several active programs accepting unsolicited requests.
$2.4M
$110.7M
$11.1M
$10.1M
Most grants fall between $10K and $20K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$20K
KAREN WHITE
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Grant dollars are overwhelmingly local: 97% of grants go to recipients in Minnesota, and the country distribution is entirely U.S.-based. Recent awards land in a wide set of northwest Minnesota communities, including Bemidji, Red Lake, Warroad, East Grand Forks, Fosston, Roseau, Thief River Falls, and Baudette. The list also includes grants to Grand Forks, North Dakota, showing occasional cross-border support while keeping the focus regional. Tribal communities are part of the geography as well, with grants to Red Lake and White Earth organizations.
Recent grants show strong support for child care, housing, community revitalization, education, and economic development. Examples include a $227,250 grant to White Earth Child Care Program for a community collaborative conference, $158,450 to Low Idc Funds for new-home construction, and $440,000 to Greater Bemidjiinc for the DEED Main Street Project.
The foundation’s typical grant size is $10,000 at the 25th percentile and median, with the 75th percentile at $20,375. That said, recent awards range much higher for capital and infrastructure projects, including six-figure grants.
The recent record shows both project-based grants and repeated support for ongoing community needs. Child care, housing, and local revitalization appear across multiple years, and the foundation also houses more than 450 local funds that periodically offer grants to local nonprofits and community projects.
Its giving is local and heavily concentrated in Minnesota: 97% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state of Minnesota, and the top state by grant count is also Minnesota. Recent recipients include organizations in Bemidji, Red Lake, Warroad, East Grand Forks, and Roseau, with some support reaching Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Yes. Several active programs accept unsolicited requests, including the Child Care Finance loan program, STEP UP (Child Care), the Housing Loan Program, Family of Funds local grant rounds, Business Loans, Omdahl Conservation Fund Grants, Greenbush Area Community Fund Grants, Building Better Lives Grants, and Mission-driven Grants.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE TWIN CITIES OPPORTUNITY CENTER | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $200,962 | 2026 | MINNESOTA ENGAGEMENT ON SHELTER & HOUSING |
| BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #31 | BEMIDJI, MN | $156,082 | 2026 | BHS FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, BEMIDJI SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETICS |
| LIFECARE MEDICAL CENTER | ROSEAU, MN | $119,816 | 2026 | TO PURCHASE TROPHON2 ULTRASOUND PROBE DISINFECTION DEVICE FO, UPDATE VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPY EQUIPMENT, WHICH IS UTILIZED BY EM, TO PURCHASE TV'S FOR EACH RESIDENT ROOM AT THE LIFECARE ROSE, TO PURCHASE A TRAILER TO PULL BEHIND THE RANGER FOR RESIDENT, FUNDING TO GO TOWARDS A NEW VAN FOR ROSEAU SENIOR LIVING, |
| NORTH STAR NEIGHBORS | BEMIDJI, MN | $102,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATION'S OPERATIONS |
| WHITE EARTH NATION | WHITE EARTH, MN | $95,000 | 2026 | WHITE EARTH NATURAL RESOURCE DIVISION YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGR |
| FRIENDS OF ITASCA STATE PARK | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $80,743 | 2026 | PLAYGROUND |
| INTER-COUNTY COMMUNITY COUNCIL INC | OKLEE, MN | $75,000 | 2026 | FINAL PAYMENT FOR BSG YOUTH HOMELESSNESS PROJECT |
| WARROAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS ISD #690 | WARROAD, MN | $57,481 | 2026 | FINAL DISBURSEMENT OF THE WARROAD FARMERS UNION OIL CO. SCHO, NANCY FISHER, CLAVINOVA, DRAINAGE EXCAVATION OF WARROAD ATHLETIC COMPLEX, JEREMY CULLETON, WHS RETOOLING CTE MANUFACTURING, 3 PROMETHEAN ACTIVITY PANELS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION |
| CITY OF ROSEAU | ROSEAU, MN | $55,000 | 2026 | ROSEAU DAYCARE - FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS |
| WARROAD COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTER | WARROAD, MN | $55,000 | 2026 | USE FUNDS WHERE NEEDED MOST |
| RED LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS | RED LAKE, MN | $51,000 | 2026 | RED LAKE NATION OMBIMINDWA PROGRAM |
| LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE | CASS LAKE, MN | $50,000 | 2026 | LEECH LAKE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS INITIATIVE |
| AGASSIZ AUDUBON SOCIETY | WARREN, MN | $44,000 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT UPGRADES TO SUPPORT NEW PROGRAMS, PAY FOR CONTRACT EMPLOYEE |
| STEPHEN ARGYLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #2856 | STEPHEN, MN | $43,971 | 2026 | COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY FOR THE STEPHEN-ARGYLE CENTRAL SCHOOL, DISBURSEMENT OF OLSONAWSKI FUND, FINAL DISBURSEMENT OF TIGER ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND |
| THE DISCOVERY PLACE CHILD CARE | THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN | $40,000 | 2026 | DISCOVERY PLACE EXPANSION PROJECT |
| WIN-E-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT #2609 | ERSKINE, MN | $39,697 | 2026 | MOBILE KIOSK TO SELL CLOTHES - JEREMY MORGENROTH, LANGUAGE ARTS SUPPLIES AND STORAGE - VONDIA WINTER, WHITE BOARD DESKS/TABLES - EILEEN COOK, COMMUNICATION BOARDS - ALYSSA HICKMAN, LIBRARY UPDATES - JULIE BAUER, ELECTRICAL TRAINER - NATE JOHNSON |
| ROSEAU COUNTY HISTORICAL | ROSEAU, MN | $36,025 | 2026 | SHELVING PROJECT |
| NORTHWEST INDIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | BEMIDJI, MN | $35,000 | 2026 | AGING REGIONAL NEEDS & PRIORITIES PLAN |
| HEARTH CONNECTION | SAINT PAUL, MN | $34,380 | 2026 | YHSI PLANNING GRANT PROJECT WITH NECOC |
| CITY OF WARREN | WARREN, MN | $30,000 | 2026 | POOL IMPROVEMENT |
| UNITED WAY OF BEMIDJI AREA | BEMIDJI, MN | $30,000 | 2026 | EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND - 2025 STORM, BLACKDUCK FOOD BANK PROGRAM |
| INITIATIVE FOUNDATION | LITTLE FALLS, MN | $30,000 | 2026 | NMF SUPPORT FOR 2025 INITIATORS FELLOWSHIP |
| PARK RAPIDS ISD #309 | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $28,785 | 2026 | NMF'S CCED GRANT; EARLY CHILDCARE CDA CLASS AT PRAHS, SOCCER GOALS FOR SCORING WITH THE COMMUNITY |
| WARROAD CARE CENTER DBA WARROAD SENIOR LIVING CENTER | WARROAD, MN | $26,500 | 2026 | TO PURCHASE AN ELECTRIC GOLF CART FOR RESIDENTS TO ENJOY THE |
| WARREN ALVARADO OSLO PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION FOUNDATION | WARREN, MN | $23,154 | 2026 | FINAL GRANT FUND DISBURSEMENT |
| GARY CARES | GARY, MN | $23,000 | 2026 | GARY WELLNESS CENTER, THE KINFOLK MARKET: A HUB FOR COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND ECONOM |
| CITY OF ADA | ADA, MN | $22,500 | 2026 | LITTLE LEARNERS CHILD CARE EXPANSION |
| CITY OF ARGYLE | ARGYLE, MN | $22,260 | 2026 | ARGYLE FIRE AND RESCUE, ARGYLE SUMME, ARGYLE PICKLEBALL COURTS, WATER TOWER LIGHTS, WATER TOWER GAZEBO PR |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $22,000 | 2026 | CONSERVING THE TALL ASPEN PARKLANDS |
| OLD HOME TOWN MUSEUM INC | STEPHEN, MN | $22,000 | 2026 | OHT UPDATES, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| LIVING AT HOME OF THE PARK RAPIDS AREA | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $21,000 | 2026 | AS NEEDED, GENERAL OPERATING FUND |
| BEMIDJI COMMUNITY FOOD SHELF | BEMIDJI, MN | $20,500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATIONS |
| HUBBARD COUNTY FOOD SHELF | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $20,500 | 2026 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN |
| STEPHEN VOLUNTEER FIREMANS RELIEF | STEPHEN, MN | $20,000 | 2026 | FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, QUICK ATTACK TRUCK |
| PROJECT ZAWADI INC | SAINT PAUL, MN | $20,000 | 2026 | AS PER DISCUSSION W BRIAN SINGER |
| ST MICHAEL'S SCHOOL | MAHNOMEN, MN | $20,000 | 2026 | NMF'S CCED GRANT; ST. MICHAEL'S CHILD CARE EXPANSION |
| HEADWATERS ANIMAL SHELTER | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $20,000 | 2026 | MEDICAL FUND, MAINTENANCE FUND, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, AND INTERNET SECURITY |
| LIL' CHOMPER'S CHILD CARE INC | GREENBUSH, MN | $19,871 | 2026 | NMF'S CCED GRANT; CHILD CARE CENTER BUILD, |
| HUBBARD COUNTY | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $18,510 | 2026 | AIS WATERCRAFT INSPECTION |
| EVERGREEN YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES INC | BEMIDJI, MN | $17,500 | 2026 | EVERGREEN YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES |
| TRI-VALLEY OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL INC | CROOKSTON, MN | $17,500 | 2026 | FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER WELCOMING FAMILIES, REAP - NECESSITIES FOR SUCCESS |
| BELTRAMI COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY | BEMIDJI, MN | $16,630 | 2026 | BELONGING IN BELTRAMI: A FOUNDATION-FUNDED COMMUNITY AND CIT, 2025 EXHIBIT PLAN |
| HOKULOA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST | WAIKOLOA, HI | $16,347 | 2026 | WINDOW REPLACEMENT |
| BIG SAND LAKE ASSOCIATION | PARK RAPIDS, MN | $15,940 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES INSPECTIONS. THE TOTAL |
| GREENBUSH MIDDLE RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT #2683 | GREENBUSH, MN | $15,600 | 2026 | UPDATE WEIGHT ROOM EQUIPMENT IN THE GREENBUSH-MIDDLE RIVER S, GATOR WRESTLING MAT, GMR PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| PIONEER MEMORIAL CARE CENTER | ERSKINE, MN | $15,000 | 2026 | WHERE NEEDED MOST |
| CITY OF MCINTOSH | MCINTOSH, MN | $15,000 | 2026 | NMF'S CCED GRANT; CLUBHOUSE CHILDCARE FACILITY REPAIRS |
| IMMIGRANT LAW CENTER OF MINNESOTA | SAINT PAUL, MN | $15,000 | 2026 | THIS GRANT IS PROVIDED TO IMMIGRANT LAW CENTER OF MINNESOTA |
| GRAND PORTAGE RESERVATION | GRAND PORTAGE, MN | $14,550 | 2026 | THIS GRANT IS PROVIDED TO GRAND PORTAGE CHIPPEWA - GICHI-ONI |
| THE LEARNING TREE CHILD CARE CENTER | HALLOCK, MN | $13,500 | 2026 | PRESCHOOL FURNISHINGS, NMF'S CCED GRANT; TODDLER PRESCHOOL COMBINATION ROOM |
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE TWIN CITIES OPPORTUNITY CENTER
$200,962MINNESOTA ENGAGEMENT ON SHELTER & HOUSING
BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #31
$156,082BHS FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, BEMIDJI SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETICS
LIFECARE MEDICAL CENTER
$119,816TO PURCHASE TROPHON2 ULTRASOUND PROBE DISINFECTION DEVICE FO, UPDATE VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPY EQUIPMENT, WHICH IS UTILIZED BY EM, TO PURCHASE TV'S FOR EACH RESIDENT ROOM AT THE LIFECARE ROSE, TO PURCHASE A TRAILER TO PULL BEHIND THE RANGER FOR RESIDENT, FUNDING TO GO TOWARDS A NEW VAN FOR ROSEAU SENIOR LIVING,
NORTH STAR NEIGHBORS
$102,000TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATION'S OPERATIONS
WHITE EARTH NATION
$95,000WHITE EARTH NATURAL RESOURCE DIVISION YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGR
Current and upcoming funding from Northwest Minnesota Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Projects benefiting residents or visitors of the Roseau area and educational programs, projects, or activities of the Roseau Public School District may be considered.
Deadline: Applications are open through November 19, 2026.
FRIENDS OF ITASCA STATE PARK
PLAYGROUND
FINAL PAYMENT FOR BSG YOUTH HOMELESSNESS PROJECT
WARROAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS ISD #690
$57,481FINAL DISBURSEMENT OF THE WARROAD FARMERS UNION OIL CO. SCHO, NANCY FISHER, CLAVINOVA, DRAINAGE EXCAVATION OF WARROAD ATHLETIC COMPLEX, JEREMY CULLETON, WHS RETOOLING CTE MANUFACTURING, 3 PROMETHEAN ACTIVITY PANELS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
CITY OF ROSEAU
$55,000ROSEAU DAYCARE - FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
WARROAD COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTER
$55,000USE FUNDS WHERE NEEDED MOST
RED LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS
$51,000RED LAKE NATION OMBIMINDWA PROGRAM
LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE
$50,000LEECH LAKE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS INITIATIVE
AGASSIZ AUDUBON SOCIETY
$44,000EQUIPMENT UPGRADES TO SUPPORT NEW PROGRAMS, PAY FOR CONTRACT EMPLOYEE
STEPHEN ARGYLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #2856
$43,971COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY FOR THE STEPHEN-ARGYLE CENTRAL SCHOOL, DISBURSEMENT OF OLSONAWSKI FUND, FINAL DISBURSEMENT OF TIGER ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE DISCOVERY PLACE CHILD CARE
$40,000DISCOVERY PLACE EXPANSION PROJECT
WIN-E-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT #2609
$39,697MOBILE KIOSK TO SELL CLOTHES - JEREMY MORGENROTH, LANGUAGE ARTS SUPPLIES AND STORAGE - VONDIA WINTER, WHITE BOARD DESKS/TABLES - EILEEN COOK, COMMUNICATION BOARDS - ALYSSA HICKMAN, LIBRARY UPDATES - JULIE BAUER, ELECTRICAL TRAINER - NATE JOHNSON
ROSEAU COUNTY HISTORICAL
$36,025SHELVING PROJECT
NORTHWEST INDIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$35,000AGING REGIONAL NEEDS & PRIORITIES PLAN
HEARTH CONNECTION
$34,380YHSI PLANNING GRANT PROJECT WITH NECOC
CITY OF WARREN
$30,000POOL IMPROVEMENT
UNITED WAY OF BEMIDJI AREA
$30,000EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND - 2025 STORM, BLACKDUCK FOOD BANK PROGRAM
PARK RAPIDS ISD #309
$28,785NMF'S CCED GRANT; EARLY CHILDCARE CDA CLASS AT PRAHS, SOCCER GOALS FOR SCORING WITH THE COMMUNITY
WARROAD CARE CENTER DBA WARROAD SENIOR LIVING CENTER
$26,500TO PURCHASE AN ELECTRIC GOLF CART FOR RESIDENTS TO ENJOY THE
WARREN ALVARADO OSLO PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
$23,154FINAL GRANT FUND DISBURSEMENT
GARY CARES
$23,000GARY WELLNESS CENTER, THE KINFOLK MARKET: A HUB FOR COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND ECONOM
CITY OF ADA
$22,500LITTLE LEARNERS CHILD CARE EXPANSION
CITY OF ARGYLE
$22,260ARGYLE FIRE AND RESCUE, ARGYLE SUMME, ARGYLE PICKLEBALL COURTS, WATER TOWER LIGHTS, WATER TOWER GAZEBO PR
OLD HOME TOWN MUSEUM INC
$22,000OHT UPDATES, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
LIVING AT HOME OF THE PARK RAPIDS AREA
$21,000AS NEEDED, GENERAL OPERATING FUND
HUBBARD COUNTY FOOD SHELF
$20,500CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN
STEPHEN VOLUNTEER FIREMANS RELIEF
$20,000FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, QUICK ATTACK TRUCK
ST MICHAEL'S SCHOOL
$20,000NMF'S CCED GRANT; ST. MICHAEL'S CHILD CARE EXPANSION
HEADWATERS ANIMAL SHELTER
$20,000MEDICAL FUND, MAINTENANCE FUND, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, AND INTERNET SECURITY
LIL' CHOMPER'S CHILD CARE INC
$19,871NMF'S CCED GRANT; CHILD CARE CENTER BUILD,
HUBBARD COUNTY
$18,510AIS WATERCRAFT INSPECTION
TRI-VALLEY OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL INC
$17,500FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER WELCOMING FAMILIES, REAP - NECESSITIES FOR SUCCESS
BELTRAMI COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$16,630BELONGING IN BELTRAMI: A FOUNDATION-FUNDED COMMUNITY AND CIT, 2025 EXHIBIT PLAN
HOKULOA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
$16,347WINDOW REPLACEMENT
BIG SAND LAKE ASSOCIATION
$15,940SUPPORT FOR AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES INSPECTIONS. THE TOTAL
GREENBUSH MIDDLE RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT #2683
$15,600UPDATE WEIGHT ROOM EQUIPMENT IN THE GREENBUSH-MIDDLE RIVER S, GATOR WRESTLING MAT, GMR PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM
PIONEER MEMORIAL CARE CENTER
$15,000WHERE NEEDED MOST
CITY OF MCINTOSH
$15,000NMF'S CCED GRANT; CLUBHOUSE CHILDCARE FACILITY REPAIRS
THIS GRANT IS PROVIDED TO IMMIGRANT LAW CENTER OF MINNESOTA
GRAND PORTAGE RESERVATION
$14,550THIS GRANT IS PROVIDED TO GRAND PORTAGE CHIPPEWA - GICHI-ONI
THE LEARNING TREE CHILD CARE CENTER
$13,500PRESCHOOL FURNISHINGS, NMF'S CCED GRANT; TODDLER PRESCHOOL COMBINATION ROOM
Who can apply: Projects that enhance or improve quality of life for residents or visitors of the Roseau area; educational programs, projects, or activities of the Roseau Public School district are also considered.
Deadline: Applications open through November 19, 2026.
Who can apply: Nonprofits located within the Northwest Minnesota Foundation service area may apply for projects that promote or preserve natural resources in the region.
Deadline: The current listing states applications are open through December 4, 2026. A prior round deadline was November 1.
Who can apply: Eligible applicants are nonprofits, governmental, and public organizations located within the Northwest Minnesota Foundation service area.
Deadline: Applications may be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted; a 2025 round closed March 10, 2025.
Who can apply: Nonprofits with urgent needs in Northwest Minnesota; funding is framed as rapid response support.
Deadline: Rapid-response windows as announced
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