Community Stories – Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Why bringing early childhood professionals together matters more than ever

Communities Collaborative Brain Development Conference brings hundreds of early childhood providers to Mahnomen.

Finding a place on the ice in Warroad

Supported with local grant support, Warroad Youth Hockey offers entry-level skating program to kids who have never been on the ice before.

A place to plant roots: How an affordable home empowered a community leader

Purchasing a home through the North Star Neighbors community land trust has helped Jennifer Compeau build confidence and spur community involvement.

Child Care: A simple fix with a big impact

Many child care providers often lack funds for major repairs, and when they close, it immediately impacts employers and families, prompting the creation of the NMF Child Care Retain Forgivable Loan.

Bemidji Area Arts Endowment announces 2025 grant recipients

The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment (BAAE), a fund in the family of funds at Northwest Minnesota Foundation, is announcing $32,130 in grants to support the arts in Bemidji and surrounding communities.

Grace and Grit: Horses helping humans grow

Grace and Grit: Health and Healing Thru Horse-Human Partnerships is an Erskine-based nonprofit that provides growth and enrichment opportunities through horse-and-human connection.

Family of Funds: How local philanthropy helps feed hungry kids

The Warroad School BackPack Food Program Fund began in 2016, after Susie Novak, executive director of the North Country Food Bank, introduced the community to the idea of a backpack program.

Grant support reignites the Allen & Freda Community Garden in Crookston

The Allen & Freda Community Garden has been reinvigorated and Crookston area community members have encouraged to participate in gardening and agricultural production, thanks in part to a local grant.