We are happy to share the 2026–2027 Grant Cycle Calendar to help our community plan ahead for upcoming funding opportunities.
The calendar includes key application windows for grant opportunities across our region, including Area-of-Interest Grants, Affiliate Grants, the Community Opportunity Fund, the Transformation Grant, the Unity Fund, the Duluth Public Schools Fund and more.
Area-of-Interest Grants that were previously part of the spring grant cycle will move to the fall grant cycle in 2027.
Some grant opportunities begin with a Letter of Interest before selected applicants are invited to complete a full application.
Grant award notification dates may vary by opportunity. Applicants should review the full guidelines when each cycle opens. Guidelines are posted before applications open on the Boreal Waters News & Events blog and can also be found in the grant descriptions.
We encourage applicants to review the calendar, mark key dates and check back as each grant cycle opens for full details and application instructions.
Area-of-Interest Grants support projects in specific focus areas, including the arts, environment, human services, animal welfare and more.
The 2026 fall grant cycle includes:
» Aaron Thomas Gelineau Fund for Educational Opportunity
» Central Mesabi Fund for Human Services
» Douglas County Disaster & Welfare Fund
» John T. & Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund
» Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara H. Atkins Memorial Fund
» Sandbulte Family Higher Education Endowment Fund (eligible organizations will be sent an access code)
Click HERE to register for the Fall 2026 Grants Virtual Info Session on August 10 at 8 am
Affiliate Grants are guided by local advisory boards that understand the unique needs, opportunities and priorities of their communities.
The 2027 Affiliate Grant cycle includes:
» Eveleth Community Foundation
» Two Harbors Area Community Fund
The Duluth Public Schools Fund provides annual grant support to enhance student learning and well-being within ISD #709 – Duluth Public Schools. This opportunity is available to Duluth Public Schools staff.
The Unity Fund was created by and for African Heritage communities, with funding decisions guided by lived experience and local leadership. The Fund supports projects that remove barriers, expand access to resources and strengthen cultural, economic and community well-being.
The Unity Fund accepts applications throughout the year. However, applicants seeking funding for Juneteenth-related projects must submit applications by March 1 to be considered for that funding.
The Transformation Grant supports efforts that go beyond responding to immediate needs and help shift the conditions that create them. This grant is designed to support organizations working to address root causes, build cross-sector partnerships and expand long-term systems of equity and connection.
» Community Opportunity Fund (Transformation)
The Biodiversity Grant supports projects that preserve and restore habitats, assist vulnerable species and ecosystems, plan for environmental change, and promote research and education in the Duluth-Superior region. The fund aims to protect the region's biodiversity through conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
The Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions and build a better future. Grants from this fund focus on three interconnected areas:
» Community Opportunity Fund - Belonging
» Community Opportunity Fund - Opportunity
» Community Opportunity Fund - Resilience
The 2027 fall grant cycle will include a broader group of Area-of-Interest Grants, including funds that were previously part of the spring grant cycle.
The 2027 fall grant cycle includes:
» Aaron Thomas Gelineau Fund for Educational Opportunity
» Animal-Assisted Therapy Fund
» Central Mesabi Fund for Human Services
» Douglas County Disaster & Welfare Fund
» Four Cedars Environmental Fund
» John T. & Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund
» Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara H. Atkins Memorial Fund
» Sandbulte Family Higher Education Endowment Fund
If you have any questions about eligibility, the application process, or need technical assistance, please contact:
Kursula Harris
Senior Community Impact Associate
For questions regarding fund fit, please contact:
Amber Burns
Director of Community Impact and Partnerships