The Douglas County Disaster and Welfare Fund supports nonprofit organizations that provide public relief, welfare services, and financial assistance to residents in times of disaster. Grants may fund food, housing, healthcare, mental health and wellness services, childcare, senior services, financial or employment coaching, and adult education for individuals and families with low incomes. The fund also supports efforts to address broader, long-term challenges caused by disasters, such as mental health and housing needs.

Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available to support school building projects that address student mental health needs. These grants aim to enhance the overall well-being of students through initiatives that support measurable growth, enrich their school experience, and can potentially be replicated by other educators. While individual classroom grants follow teachers if they transfer within Duluth schools, they may also be passed on to a replacement if the original recipient leaves the district.There are several restrictions on what grant funds can cover. Proposals should not include costs for general technology (unless it directly supports curriculum), transportation, equipment, salaries, stipends, student fees, or support for organizations outside the school. All applications must also show evidence of the principal’s approval.Applications will be available through the Online Grant Portal starting January 5, 2026, and must be submitted by March 2, 2026, at 5 PM. Detailed instructions and tutorials will be provided to assist applicants. For building-wide proposals, a single person should be designated to submit the application to ensure clarity. All applications must include a realistic budget estimate. Projects can begin as soon as they are approved and must be implemented between May 2026 and May 2027. Proposals should demonstrate a clear need, align with existing curriculum, and support academic, cultural, athletic, or personal development. Building-wide applications must specifically address student mental health.

The Eveleth Community Foundation Fund supports projects that address the changing needs of the community in the areas of arts, community and economic development, education, the environment, and human services. The Advisory Board may shift focus among these areas as needs arise. Priority is given to collaborative efforts that strengthen services, tackle root causes of issues, support start-up initiatives, or address civic matters. Projects that respond to community crises, build organizational capacity, or demonstrate generosity and significant impact are also highly valued.In certain cases, the fund may provide one-time core mission support, especially when there is a critical and timely need for effective services. Support may also be considered for organizations well-positioned to meet increased demands or for addressing unique situations that can be resolved with short-term funding.Because unrestricted funds cannot offer ongoing financial support, organizations must show potential for sustaining their programs beyond the grant period. Temporary funding may be provided during times of urgent need to help stabilize key programs or services within the community.

The Four Cedars Environmental Fund supports programs and organizations that protect, preserve, and educate about the unique natural resources of the western Lake Superior watershed. It provides funding for capital needs, start-up costs, technical assistance, and project support. Past recipients include organizations such as the University of Wisconsin-Superior, the Sigurd Olson Institute, the McCabe Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Sweetwater Alliance, the Great Lakes Aquarium, the Sustainable Farming Association of Northeast Minnesota, and the Lake Superior Research Institute's research vessel L.L. Smith.

The primary goal of the Fund for Women and Girls is to empower women and girls to live meaningful, fulfilling, healthy, and safe lives. The Fund supports initiatives that provide educational and financial resources, promote career development, health and wellness, and civic leadership, and advocate for gender equity, including protecting women and girls from violence.The Fund considers requests for project support, capital initiatives, or general operating expenses, with priority given to organizations serving Duluth and Superior. Examples of funded projects include building upgrades, legal services, family visitation programs, community outreach, and sexual abuse prevention initiatives.

The Global Awareness Fund supports projects that promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and the development of civil societies to ensure the well-being and survival of the global community. The Fund focuses on issues such as peace and security, economic well-being, justice and human rights, environmental sustainability, and citizen understanding of global cultures, political systems, and the need for tolerance.Examples of funded projects include global education initiatives in schools, support for libraries and media on topics like international trade and peace, planning conferences or lectures on U.S. foreign relations, media production on global issues, efforts to establish sister city relationships, and projects to create or enhance peace and justice centers.

The fund grants awards to initiatives that meet the changing needs of Madeline Island in the following areas: health and safety, education, children, cultural activities and the environment. Projects that affect children and youth within these areas take a higher priority. Ongoing program support is a low priority.

The John T. & Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund aims to attract high-quality artistic programs and performers from outside the region to enhance performances, exhibits, and professional artistic services for local arts organizations. The fund supports special offerings that enrich the community's cultural life but does not cover regular series, scholarships, or operating expenses like advertising, fundraising, or staff salaries.Grants can cover both direct and indirect costs specific to the project, with priority given to projects in the Foundation’s ten-county service region. Successful proposals must include at least one public performance or exhibition and aim to reach a broad audience, with attention to parking convenience. Examples of potential projects include guest artists beyond the standard series, master classes with guest performers, innovative presentations, artist conferences, and special-purpose residencies.

The Lupa Animal Wellness Fund supports programs for dogs and cats addressing cruelty and fighting, emergency services, puppy mills and pet overpopulation, animal research issues, pet adoption and spay/neuter initiatives, and the ongoing support of regional animal care centers. Priority is given to organizations which demonstrate financial need and are located in or provide service to residents within: Cook, Lake or St. Louis Counties in northeast Minnesota; or the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa/Atisokanigamig, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa/Nah-Gah-Chi-Wa-Nong, or the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa/Gichi Onigaming. Examples of projects which could be recipients of Lupa Animal Wellness Fund grants include rescue, care and relocation of animals in need and pet population control through spaying/neutering and adoption.

Supports organizations serving youth, arts & culture, and those in need in Ashland and Bayfield counties, Gaa-Miskwaabikaang/Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Mashkiiziibii/Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.Grants may support general operating and other expenses. Capital campaign funding is ineligible. Preference is given to requests serving youth, arts & culture, and those in need in Bayfield County Gaa-Miskwaabikaang/Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The fund supports nonprofit organizations on or serving Madeline Island, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life through educational opportunities, environmental conservation, human services, and historical or cultural preservation. Priority is given to projects that benefit children and youth in these areas, and the fund encourages co-sponsorships from corporations, regional foundations, individuals, and other organizations. Ongoing program support is considered a low priority.Examples of eligible projects include educational programs focused on environmental, historical, and cultural awareness, initiatives for La Pointe School students and preschoolers, projects that improve healthcare access and promote healthy lifestyles, safety and well-being training, educational materials, and programs that enhance Madeline Island's cultural life through visual arts, music, and history.

The Morgan Fund promotes economic development and civic pride in the Twin Ports (Duluth/Superior) area, with a focus on projects that benefit the public directly. The fund was established by Richard and Elizabeth Burns in honor of their parents, recognizing their contributions to the Twin Ports region. Priority is given to projects that serve both Duluth and Superior, and capital requests are considered.Examples of eligible projects include a documentary to increase public awareness and visibility of Duluth, youth-adult partnerships to build pride in Superior, website upgrades for economic development information, public art projects, and exhibits at the Great Lakes Aquarium.