A FUTURE WHERE EVERYONE CAN THRIVE

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is the heart of our work at Boreal Waters. It’s how we unite generosity across the region to spark bold ideas, strengthen local nonprofits, and create lasting change for communities across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Fund directs resources where they’re needed most—supporting transformative, collaborative projects that help communities thrive, even in times of challenge. And it’s made possible by people like you.

DONATE Grant application process

Cast Outdoor Adventures

Ely, MN

community impact in action

Through The Community Opportunity Fund, $60 Million Has Been Awarded To Over 34 Organizations.

Collective generosity is the engine behind this impact. With your support,
nonprofits are:

Collaborating across sectors
Tackling complex challenges
Building long-term, sustainable solutions
From early childhood development to climate resilience, from economic opportunity to inclusive cultural spaces, this fund brings people and ideas together to shape a brighter future.

focusing on solutions

Investing In Four
Interconnected Areas

In 2023, we restructured the Community Opportunity Fund to more powerfully address the evolving needs of our region. With an expanded focus and larger, more flexible grants, we’re helping nonprofits move from short-term fixes to long-term solutions.

Opportunity

Projects that empower individuals to achieve economic stability and independence.

Resilience

Projects that enhance the ability of organizations, families, or communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from challenges, creating sustainable, long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote resilience.

Belonging

Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Transformation

Elevating Opportunity, Resilience or Belonging initiatives to a transformative level by emphasizing collaboration, upstream focus, and long-term sustainability.

Rooted in trust, the Community Opportunity Fund invests in those who know their communities best—and walks alongside them as they lead the way.

2024 Fund Contributors

Thank You To Our Fund Donors

We’re deeply grateful to the families, businesses, and foundations who make this collective impact possible. Your generosity is transforming lives and building stronger communities every day.

Alberta Fund

Anonymous Friend Fund

Barnum Fund

Business Leaders Fund

C.E., Jr. and M.K. Fuller Fund

Campbell Family Charitable Fund

Carolyn Joy Seitz Family Fund

Cleveland Family Fund

Community Leaders Fund

Dale Heimbach Wheeler Memorial Fund

Dr. William and Kay Slack Family Fund

Dr. and Mrs. Bernhard Boecker Charitable Fund

Ed and Jane Ryan Family Fund

Erick Peter Person Memorial Fund

Fair Chance Fund

Family Service Sharing Fund

G. Kendall Smith Fund

Hazel B. and A. Wallace Niss Charitable Fund

Holly C. Sampson Fund for Community Initiatives

Hubert D. and Mildred S. Wheeler Family Fund

J. L. Kelly Family Fund

Jeffrey and Jill Widness Fund

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund

Lakhan Family Fund

Levin/Goldfine Fund

Living Legacy Fund

Moline Family Fund

Ojard Family Fund

Opportunity Rising Fund

Robert, Gwen, Blake and Conner Erickson Family Fund

Ruth H. Richards Fund

Second Chance Endowment Fund

Smith Danielson Family Fund

Todd, Susan, Matthew and Hilary Johnson 2007 Charitable Fund

Weckwerth-Sampson Family Fund

Wildey H. Mitchell Family Fund

Young Leaders Fund

Give Where You Live.
Create Change That Lasts.

When you give to the Community Opportunity Fund, you're not just donating—you’re investing in the people, places, and possibilities of this region we all call home.

DONATE