Over $933,000 Awarded to Support Community-Led Solutions Across the Northland
Boreal Waters Community Foundation has awarded over $933,000 in 2026 Community Opportunity Fund grants to 23 organizations across northeastern Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin and the region’s Tribal Nations. Grants range from $23,000 to $50,000 and support work that creates opportunity, promotes resilience, and builds belonging — from expanding access to food and housing, to strengthening workforce development, supporting youth and families, and investing in thriving communities.
Investing in Community-Led Work
The Community Opportunity Fund is the heart of our work at Boreal Waters. It’s how we unite generosity across the region to support bold ideas, strengthen local nonprofits, and create lasting change for the communities we serve.
As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund allows us to direct resources where they’re needed most, supporting transformative and collaborative work that helps communities thrive — especially in times of uncertainty and change.
Strong communities are built when people have opportunities to thrive, the resources to navigate challenges, and a true sense of belonging. Through these grants, we’re investing in organizations that are creating those conditions every day and helping build a stronger, more resilient region.” Amber Burns, Director of Community Impact & Partnerships
Since its creation, the Community Opportunity Fund has awarded $16 million to over 500 nonprofit organizations across the region.
This year’s awards include:
- Opportunity: 7 grants totaling $300,000
- Belonging: 8 grants totaling $300,000
- Resilience: 8 grants totaling $333,580
What's Possible With This Funding
This year’s Community Opportunity Grants support a wide range of work and community needs.
From helping young people build workplace skills and knowledge through transitional employment opportunities with Life House’s Legitimate Hustle Program, to increasing access to healthy and culturally important foods for Tribal Nation residents through the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm, to connecting older adults with compassionate care, companionship and support that helps them remain engaged in their communities through Care Partners of Cook County, these grants support work that expands access, removes barriers and opens doors to new possibilities.
VIEW FULL LIST OF 2026 COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY FUND AWARDS >>
Looking Forward
To Nonprofits: Thank you for your passion, persistence, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the people and projects you serve. We’re grateful for all you do and for the care you bring to this work every day.
To Donors: Your generosity is what makes this momentum possible.
To Community Members: We invite you to join us in strengthening opportunity, resilience, and belonging across all our communities.
Together, we are building a brighter future.