Neighbors helping neighbors
We know Northwest Minnesota offers boundless opportunities. That’s why we measure our impact by the results we create for the people, businesses, and communities we serve.
Featured achievements
Leadership training for 4,000 youth and adults
More than $62.5 million in grants
4,168 jobs created or retained
Serving the needs in 45 communities
Accomplishments
In addition to the important work we continue to pursue, we have achieved the following:
- Made 927 loans for a total of $33.7 million,
- Created or retained more than 4,168 jobs in our region
- Leveraged more than $140 million in additional lending
- Made over 11,800 grants totaling more than $62.5 million
- Our leadership programs have trained almost 4,000 youth and adults
- Our nonprofit management and diversity training programs have addressed the needs of 358 organizations and 45 communities
- We have more than $97 million in total assets and 440 funds in our family of funds
Impact Report
Click HERE to read our most recent Impact Report.
Financials: Form 990
Click HERE to read our most recent IRS Form 990.
News & Ideas
See how our initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations are making an impact.
A Place to Plant Roots: How an Affordable Home Empowered a Community Leader
Jennifer Compeau never expected homeownership to feel possible. Like many people across northwest Minnesota, she was working hard to create stability for her family. She was participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program through Northwest Minnesota HRA and the Family Assets for Independence Minnesota (FAME) program while living in Section 8 housing. She dreamed of owning …
Northwest Minnesota Foundation awards $150,000 through Building Better Lives Grant
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 …
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.
