Mission

The Cook County Community Fund supports initiatives that strengthen community connections and respond to local needs across six key areas: arts, education, community development, the environment, human services, and youth.

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Funding Priorities

• We prioritize projects that build collaboration, address the root causes of challenges, and bring people together across Cook County.
• Grants often support new or emerging ideas, especially those that can make a meaningful difference with modest funding.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds, and proposals that leverage additional support are given strong consideration.

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Other Considerations

While the Fund does not typically support capital projects or ongoing program costs, we may offer short-term or multi-year funding to help launch promising new efforts—so long as there’s a plan for sustaining the work after our grant ends.

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Mission

To support nonprofit organizations providing public relief and welfare services to individuals and families affected by disasters—both immediate needs and long-term recovery.

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Funding Priorities

Grants may support services that address:

• Emergency relief and basic needs, including:
  • Food and nutrition
  • Housing and shelter
  • Healthcare and mental health services
  • Childcare and senior services
• Financial and employment support, such as:
  • Financial coaching
  • Job training and employment counseling
  • Adult education programs
• Long-term disaster recovery, including:
  • Mental health and wellness initiatives
  • Affordable housing solutions and stability services

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Mission

The Duluth Public Schools Fund provides annual grant support to enhance student learning and well-being within ISD #709 – Duluth Public Schools and is available to Duluth Public Schools staff.

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Grant Types & Award Amounts

• Individuals $500–$2,000

• Buildings $500–$5,000

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Priorities

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1. Focus on measurable skills that impact student growth

Projects should clearly identify the specific skills students will gain and how those skills will be measured over time. This can include academic skills (literacy, numeracy, STEM competencies), social–emotional skills, creative skills, or career-connected abilities. Strong proposals will articulate:

• The skill(s) targeted

• The method for assessing growth (rubrics, pre/post assessments, student work samples, observation logs, etc.)

• How the project meaningfully advances student development beyond existing learning opportunities

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2. Demonstrated need

Proposals should address a clearly defined need within a classroom, program, or school community. Strong applications will:

• Use data, observation, or student feedback to show why the need exists

• Explain who is most affected and why this project is the right response

• Describe gaps or barriers currently experienced by students

• Show alignment with broader school or district priorities

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3. Project replication by future educators

Priority is given to initiatives that can be repeated, scaled, or adapted by other educators across buildings or grade levels. Strong proposals will show:

• A clear process or model that others can follow

• Materials, lesson plans, or frameworks that can be shared

• How the project builds capacity within the school community, not just for one classroom

• Potential for long-term sustainability

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4. Enhancement of current curriculum

Projects should enrich or elevate what students are already learning—not replace the curriculum, but add depth, creativity, or relevance. Strong proposals might:

• Integrate new instructional strategies or hands-on learning experiences

• Expand access to materials, technology, or real-world applications

• Add culturally responsive or inclusive content

• Improve engagement, understanding, or skill mastery

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5. Enrich academic, cultural, athletic, or overall student experience

Funding may support programs that broaden the horizons of students and enhance their school experience as a whole. Examples include:

• Academic enrichment (STEM labs, reading initiatives, arts integration)

• Cultural learning (heritage programs, intercultural exchange, language and arts experiences)

• Athletics (equipment, new programming, inclusive sports opportunities)

• Whole-student experiences (social-emotional learning, leadership development, outdoor learning)

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6. For building-wide proposals: Priority will be given to projects that address the mental health of students

Any project impacting an entire school must include a strategy—large or small—for supporting student mental health and well-being. This could include:

• Trauma-informed practices

• Schoolwide SEL initiatives

• Supports that reduce stress, strengthen belonging, or create safer school climates

• Activities that build resilience, connection, or peer support

• Partnerships with mental health professionals or community resources

• Building proposals must have the principal’s approval of the project described in the application.

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Restrictions

• Transportation costs

• Salaries 

• Stipends

• Student fees

• Support for outside of school organizations

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Technology Request Guidance

Authorization from the Technology Department is required prior to submitting a request for technology. Please contact:

Greg Krueger (he/him)

Director of Technology | Duluth Public Schools - ISD 709 | 713 Portia Johnson Drive | Duluth, MN 55811

218-336-8700 x1130 | gregory.krueger@isd709.org | Book a Meeting

• Mac computers are not supported

• iPads may be supported for specific special education and specialized curricular needs

• Chromebooks, Windows PCs, and a variety of other technology tools are supported

• Requests for software or online services must receive approval from both the Curriculum and Technology Departments prior to purchase

• The Technology Department does not have funds to replace grant-funded equipment at the end of its life cycle or to continue subscriptions for grant-funded services or resources

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2026 Duluth Public Schools Fund Grant Timeline

January 21 | Applications open

February 23 at 11:59 pm | Applications close

‍April 21 | School Board approval

By April 30 | Applicants notified

April 30 | Payment issued to ISD #709 – Duluth Public Schools district office

May 1, 2026 (or later) to May 31, 2027 | Grant period

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HOW TO APPLY

1. Access Our Grant Portal

‍We recommend bookmarking this page so you can return to it easily throughout the process. Go to Portal

2. Log In or Create an Account

If this is your first time applying, you’ll need to set up a new account. Returning users can simply log in. From the Logon page, click Create New Account.
When registering, enter ISD #709 - Duluth Public Schools as theorganization and use EIN /Tax ID 41-6003776.

3. Take the Eligibility Quiz to Apply

Scroll down to the Duluth Public Schools Fund 2026 Eligibility Quiz and click the Check Eligibility button.

4. Prepare Your Materials

You’ll be asked to upload the following required document with your application:

• ‍Project budget – Download our template or use your own

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The following working document is provided for planning purposes only to help you review and prepare responses to the narrative questions. It is not the official application, and all responses must be submitted through the Foundation’s grant portal.

‍👉 2026 Duluth Public Schools Fund Grant Guidelines + Application Questions

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‍5. Submit Your Application

Be sure submit your application before the deadline of Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST.

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If you have questions, please reach out to Kursula Harris | Senior Community Impact Associate | Kursula@borealwaters.org‍

Mission

The Eveleth Community Foundation provides grants that respond to the changing needs of our community, with a focus on five key areas:

• Arts
• Education
• Community and Economic Development
• Environment
• Human services

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Priorities

• 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.

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Other Considerations

• 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.

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Mission

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.

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Funding Priorities

Provides funding for:

• General operating support
• Capital needs
• Start-up costs
• Technical assistance
• Project/program support

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Other Considerations

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.

Mission

The primary goal of the Fund for Women and Girls is to empower women and girls to live meaningful, fulfilling, healthy, and safe lives.

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Funding Priorities

• 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.

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Other Considerations

Examples of funded projects include building upgrades, legal services, family visitation programs, community outreach, and sexual abuse prevention initiatives.

Mission

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.

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Funding Priorities

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.

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Other Considerations

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.

Mission

The Grutzner Madeline Island 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.

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Funding Priorities

Projects that affect children and youth within these areas take a higher priority.

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Other Considerations

Ongoing program support is a low priority.

‍Mission

To support high-quality artistic programs and guest performers from outside the region that enhance the offerings of local arts organizations and enrich the cultural life of the community.

Grants may support special artistic projects such as:

• Guest artists outside of regular series
• Master classes or workshops with visiting performers
• Innovative presentations or performances
• Artist conferences and special-purpose residencies

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Funding Priorities

• Projects must include at least one public performance or exhibition
• Must aim to reach a broad audience, with attention to accessibility and parking convenience
• Grants may cover direct and indirect project-specific costs

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Not eligible for funding

• Scholarships
• General operating expenses (e.g., advertising, staff salaries, fundraising)

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Mission

The Labounty Family Fund supports charitable projects that strengthen the local economy while creating meaningful public benefit.

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Funding Priorities

• From helping small businesses access expert support to improving public spaces or expanding housing options for those in need, funded projects support meaningful community benefit.
• Funded projects aim to make our community more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.
• Priority is given to efforts that reduce barriers, promote opportunity, or lessen the burdens on public systems.

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Other Considerations

While long-term funding isn’t available, multi-year support may be considered to help launch or stabilize new initiatives with lasting impact.

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.

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Examples

• Rescue, care and relocation of animals in need
• Pet population control through spaying/neutering
• Adoption services

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Mission

Supports organizations serving youth, arts and 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.

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Funding Priorities

• Grants may support general operating and other expenses.
• Preference is given to requests serving youth, arts and culture, and those in need in Bayfield County and Gaa-Miskwaabikaang/Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

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Other Considerations

Capital campaign funding is ineligible.

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