June 22, 2026 (BEMIDJI, MN ) – The Northwest Minnesota Foundation has awarded $150,000 through its latest round of Building Better Lives Grants, supporting community-led projects that strengthen families, improve wellbeing, expand access to essential resources, and build stronger communities across northwest Minnesota.
This funding round attracted 30 applications requesting nearly $380,000 in support. Fourteen projects were selected for funding, reflecting the diverse needs and opportunities identified by communities throughout the region. The most requested funding priority area was nonprofit capacity building, underscoring the continued need for investments that strengthen local organizations and their ability to serve residents.
Funded projects address a broad range of community priorities, including housing and homelessness, food access, youth workforce development, nonprofit capacity building, transportation, caregiver support, community engagement, mental health, and educational opportunities.
Among the funded initiatives are efforts to advance a coordinated homeless response facility in Bemidji, expand food access through community markets and mobile food distribution programs, increase workforce opportunities for youth with disabilities, strengthen nonprofit leadership and operations, address transportation barriers for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and provide greater access to educational, cultural, and community-building opportunities throughout the region.
Organizations receiving funding in this grant cycle include; The Peoples Church ELCA, Kinfolk Market, Lead for Inclusion, Peacemaker Resources, United Way of Bemidji Area, Roseau Civic & Commerce, Clear Waters Life Center, Baudette Depot Preservation Alliance, North Country Food Bank, Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program, Rail River Folk School, Northwest Regional Development Commission, Hometown Hope, and Folk School Warroad.
Building Better Lives Grants are offered three times annually and support work that strengthens families and expands access to basic needs, improves mental and physical wellbeing, builds welcoming communities, enhances economic mobility, and strengthens the region’s nonprofit sector. Funding is open to organizations serving territories sharing NMF’s regional boundaries, including Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, and twelve surrounding counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennigton, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
For more information about upcoming grant opportunities and eligibility requirements, visit our website.
