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 Considersations

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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$500 to $2000 grants awarded annually to Duluth Public School staff for projects that

enhance learner growth. This process has not changed.

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New: Despite the heroic efforts by educators, we are well aware that remote learning has caused

many students to become disengaged or suffer academically. Therefore, for this year only, a $500 to

$5000 grant may be awarded to buildings for endeavors that seek to meet the needs of this student

population in the area of mental health.

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When: Applications are due by March 3, 2025 at 5pm for projects to take place beginning as soon as

projects are awarded and approved by the School Board. Our goal is for approval to take place

during the April Board meeting. Projects can then be implemented any time between May of 2025

through May 2026. Grants to individual teachers for their classroom will continue to follow the

recipient if s/he switches to another Duluth school. It can also be transferred to their replacement if

for any reason they leave district employment.

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Priorities:

Focus on measurable skills that impact student growth

Demonstrated need

Project replication by future educators

Enhancement of current curriculum

Enrich academic, cultural, athletic, or overall student experience

For building wide grant proposals, the application must address the mental health of students

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Restrictions:

Technology, unless used for specific curriculum enhancement contained in the grant

Transportation costs

Equipment costs

Salaries, stipends, student fees, support for outside of school organizations

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

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Mission

• 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 Eveleth Community Foundation Fund Advisory Board may shift focus among these areas as needs arise.

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Funding 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 capital needs, start-up costs, technical assistance, and project 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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