map of two harbors, mn area

About Us

Impacting lives in the Two Harbors Area since 1998

The Two Harbors Area Community Fund was the first affiliate fund of the Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It serves as a resource for enhancing the quality of life for residents in Two Harbors and the surrounding area. The fund attracts charitable gifts, administers a growing endowment, and responds to community needs through strategic grantmaking.

Donations can be made online, or via check mailed to
Two Harbors Area Fund P.O. Box 624 Two Harbors, MN 55616
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Grants, Scholarships & Giving All in the Two Harbors Area

Two Harbors Area Community Fund

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  • Mission
    The Two Harbors Area Fund supports projects that address evolving community needs in the areas of:
    • arts
    • civic projects
    • education
    • the environment
    • human services
  • Focus may shift depending on emerging priorities.   
    Priorities
    Preference is given to new initiatives that fill service gaps, address root causes of issues, require start-up funds, conduct studies related to civic matters, resolve community crises, or strengthen organizational capacity—all while demonstrating the potential for significant impact.
    • fill service gaps
    • address root causes of issues
    • require start-up funds
    • conduct studies related to civic matters
    • resolve community crises
    • strengthen organizational capacity
    • demonstrate the potential for significant impact
    • While funding may be recommended for more than one year to stabilize new programs, long-term or permanent support is not available.
    • Organizations must show the ability to sustain programs after funding ends.
    • Requests for the following are generally low priorities and are unlikely to be funded:
      • capital purchases
      • equipment
      • ongoing support
  • Other Considerations
    The fund does not support endowments, religious activities, medical research, debt retirement, fundraising, political campaigns, or projects by re-granting organizations for their own grant-making.
    • endowments
    • religious activities
    • medical research
    • debt retirement
    • fundraising
    • political campaigns
    • projects by re-granting organizations for their own grant-making
    • Individual requests, benefit ticket purchases, and legislative advocacy efforts also fall outside the scope of eligible funding.
  • Eligibility

    Provide services to residents of the Two Harbors Area Fund’s service area, defined as the boundaries of the Lake Superior School District.

    Award Range
    $500 - $10,000
    Grant Cycle
    Spring
    Apply TodayDonate to the Fund

    LaBounty Family Fund

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    The Labouty Family Fund supports charitable projects that strengthen the local economy while creating meaningful public benefit. From helping small businesses access expert support to improving public spaces or expanding housing options for those in need, 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. While long-term funding isn’t available, multi-year support may be considered to help launch or stabilize new initiatives with lasting impact.

    Eligibility

    Be located in or provide services to residents of the Two Harbors Area Fund’s primary service area, defined as the boundaries of the Two Harbors High School District. Grants to promote economic development may be awarded without regard to geographic area if they are determined to have a beneficial economic impact on the Two Harbors area.

    Award Range
    $1,000 - $15,000
    Grant Cycle
    Spring
    Apply TodayDonate to the Fund

    Kenz Award Fund

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    The Kenz Award recognizes the role Patricia McKenzie played and the long-lasting influence she had in the Fund creators lives and the lives of girls in the Two Harbors community. Patricia McKenzie, through her roles as a Two Harbors High School girls’ physical education teacher, girls swimming and aqua maids coach and girl scout leader, shared her love of physical activities of all kinds – hiking, canoeing, camping, swimming, skiing – and simply spending time outdoors. Kenz created – often single handedly – opportunities for girls to participate in physical activities and to pursue wilderness adventures. Opportunities girls were often denied during those decades. Through those experiences, girls learned they could be strong and self-sufficient– both physically and mentally.

    Eligibility

    Eligible applicants must identify as female and be graduating seniors from Two Harbors High School. They should demonstrate an interest in physical activities, sports, and/or the outdoors and wilderness adventures, and exemplify the character of Kenz—showing courage to be themselves, a drive to make things happen, and a commitment to community service.

    Award Range
    $2,000 for one year
    Grant Cycle
    Universal Application
    Apply TodayDonate to the Fund

    Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund

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    The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund helps graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and from Duluth public and private high schools. Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, from Duluth and Two Harbors, respectively, spent their lives teaching. Lawrence was a professor of economics, and Mabel was an elementary school teacher. They recognized the importance of higher education and wanted to help others pursue college degrees.

    Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are graduates of Two Harbors High School (preferred), or Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Marshall School, Harbor City International School, or Lakeview Christian Academy. They must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show strong academic performance.

    Award Range
    $5,000 up to 4 years (Total $20,000)
    Grant Cycle
    Universal Application
    Apply TodayDonate to the Fund

    Featured Grantees

    Recipients Who Strengthened the Two Harbors Area in 2024

    Two Harbors Area Food Shelf

    Meeting the rising need for food assistance. Families have been struggling to make ends meet as food prices rise and pandemic-era support fades. The Two Harbors Area Food Shelf saw a 58% increase in visits in 2023, with 160 new households seeking help for the first time. The program prioritized providing fresh, healthy options like milk, eggs, meat, and produce — essentials that come at a higher cost — ensuring local families had access to nutritious food during difficult times.

    Northern STEM Robotics

    Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators. Northern STEM Robotics strengthens robotics and STEM opportunities for students. NSR invested in strategic planning, board training, and the creation of a website and social media platforms to support student interest. By increasing the number of trained coaches and mentors, NSR is helping to build a sustainable model for long-term STEM education and outreach in the community.

    Two Harbors Area Advisory Board Members

    Working to Help Us Achieve Our Mission

    Marlys Wisch

    Chair

    Jackie Carlson

    Member

    Duane Wegner

    MEMBER

    Drew Christensen

    Member

    Lorrie Janatopoulos

    Member

    Caitlin White

    Member

    Jennifer Sterbenz

    Member

    Toni Wangen

    Member
    family craft night
    Learning Opportunity through Stories

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    What does it mean to be a Regional Affiliate?

    As an affiliate of the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, we benefit from the Foundation’s strong investment strategy and administrative support, allowing us to focus on meeting the unique needs of our community. Our volunteer advisory committee directs funding to local projects, ensuring that every grant makes a meaningful difference close to home.

    Live Here, Give Here

    When you give locally, your generosity stays in our communities - supporting nonprofits and driving positive change on the Two Harbors Area that directly impacts the people and places around us.
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