Bold Action for Bigger Impact: $1.3 Million Awarded to Local Nonprofits

Across our region, community-led organizations are working every day to make sure neighbors are fed, housed, supported, and connected. This year, 32 of those organizations are receiving a combined $1.34 million through the Community Opportunity Fund at Boreal Waters—the largest grant cycle in our history.

Meeting the Moment with Bold Action

At Boreal Waters, our mission is to unite people and resources, to drive bold action for a brighter tomorrow. In 2025, we put that mission into practice in a new way.

This year, our Board of Trustees made the decision to increase the payout from the Community Opportunity Fund, our largest unrestricted resource that allows us to adapt quickly to changing needs. We raised the grantmaking rate to 7.5%.

It's a bold step designed to meet the moment, going beyond the standard 5% payout by most foundations. It matters because it means we are able to award $1.34 million in Community Opportunity Fund grants this year, compared to $937,059 in 2024.

‍“We are stewards of these resources, and the best way to honor our donors’ vision is to make sure their generosity is engaged today, in this time of great need, in the communities across our region." Kerstyn Hendricks, Chair of the Boreal Waters Board of Trustees

Making Grants Easier for Nonprofit Partners

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We also reimagined how nonprofits apply for support from the Community Opportunity Fund this year. Instead of requiring a full proposal from every applicant, we introduced a Letter of Interest (LOI) stage. Only invited organizations submitted full applications.

This shift was about respecting time and energy. For nonprofits not moving forward, it meant hours saved. For those advancing, it meant a smoother process and clearer communication.

The feedback spoke volumes, organizations that applied called the process “refreshing,” “manageable,” and “well thought out.

"We’re doing all we can to be responsive, make things more accessible, and get the money out the door faster.” Amber Burns, Director of Community Impact and Partnerships

What This Funding Makes Possible

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This year, 32 organizations received $1.34 million in Community Opportunity Fund grants that are fueling the creativity, resilience, and care in our communities. From a rural mental health center in Virginia to a youth center in Aitkin…from classrooms in Ely to affordable housing in International Falls…from a community farm in Cable, WI to a food shelf in Two Harbors, this funding is reaching every corner of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

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VIEW FULL LIST OF 2025 COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY FUND AWARDS >>

“The generous grant from Boreal Waters will provide critical support for survivors of domestic violence in northern Minnesota, ensuring they have access to safety, advocacy and resources that help empower healing and to strive for long-term stability.”

— Colleen Chapin, Executive Director, Advocates for Family Peace

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“This funding will allow us to upgrade our technology, increase our staff capacity, and support our growing missional work to serve artists and increase arts access in our community.”

— Ruth Pszwaro, Artistic Director, Grand Marais Art Colony

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"This funding allows us to better structure management and services meet the needs of our residents. Housing is the foundation of community well-being, and this investment strengthens Range Mental Health Center’s ability to offer not only shelter but also a supportive environment where individuals and families can thrive.”

— Annmarie Florest, CEO, Range Mental Health Center

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"This award enables us to continue the Health Food Initiative at Happy Days Learning Center. This Initiative builds resilience by ensuring children have daily access to nutritious meals, improving their opportunity to learn and thrive in our Ely community!"

— Kathleen Floberg, Director, Happy Days Learning Center

Looking Ahead

Every grant in this cycle represents neighbors looking out for one another, whether through food, housing, health, youth opportunities, or creative spaces that foster belonging.

To nonprofits: thank you for the ideas, the persistence, and the trust you bring to this work.

To donors: your generosity is what makes this momentum possible.

To everyone who cares about this region: we invite you to join us in strengthening opportunity, resilience, and belonging across all our communities.

Together, we are building a future where every corner of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin has the opportunity to thrive.