Fall Grants Award $320,000 Across Region

Boreal Waters Community Foundation is proud to announce $320,000 has been awarded to people, places, and communities across our region. This season’s investments reflect the generosity of local donors, the strength of our nonprofit partners, and our shared commitment to a vibrant, resilient Northland.

A complete list of 2025 fall grant awards can be viewed here.

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Highlight

Lupa Animal Wellness Fund Grants $170,000

One of the most significant components of this fall’s awards comes from the Lupa Animal Wellness Fund, granting $170,000 to strengthen animal health, safety, and wellness across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. This represents the largest single-category investments in the fall cycle and reflects the Fund’s commitment to expanding care and improving outcomes for animals and their families.

The Lupa Animal Wellness Fund grants support efforts to increase shelter capacity, expand spay/neuter access, reduce pet overpopulation, and improve veterinary care particularly in rural and Tribal communities where access is limited. Grant recipients include: ‍

Animal Allies Humane Society — Fund Our Shelter 2025/26 — $50,000

‍Chequamegon Humane Association — Building an Additional Facility — $25,000

Contented Critters — Spay & Neuter Assistance Program — $50,000

Helping PAWS Pet Rescue, Inc. — Making Lives Better One Snip at a Time — $20,000

The Bond Between — Spay/Neuter & Pet Wellness Access for the Grand Portage Tribe — $25,000

These grants strengthen the region’s animal welfare network and highlight the transformative role donor-established funds play in addressing urgent community needs.

Strengthening Essential Needs: $15,000 to Second Harvest Northland

Boreal Waters is also gifting $15,000 to Second Harvest Northland, a key regional partner whose service area fully overlaps with our own. As more families face rising costs and barriers to securing nutritious food, this grant supports immediate, community-driven solutions that help ensure no neighbor is left behind.

This investment reflects our continued commitment to building community resilience and ensuring every household has the foundation it needs to thrive.

Local Generosity, Local Impact

Across all fall awards, one truth remains clear: local generosity fuels local change.

Boreal Waters is honored to steward these resources and champion the organizations, Tribal partners, and community leaders shaping a stronger, more resilient future for our region.

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