Women's Fund Grants
The mission of the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund is to develop resources and serve as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for women and girls, envisioning a region where women and girls reach their full potential. The Women’s Fund invites grant applications in support of the mission and vision.
The Women’s Fund is a tax exempt charitable component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, committed to improving the quality of life for women and girls in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Learn more and download grant guidelines and proposal form here
Grant budget sheet must be included. Download here
Women's Fund Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to women from the 12 counties in the Women’s Fund service area who are pursuing post-secondary education at a public higher education institution in the area (Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Northland Community and Technical College at Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks, the University of Minnesota Crookston, and the White Earth Tribal College). Preference will be given to women who intend to remain in the region upon graduation. Scholarship funds are to be used for tuition and books or direct educational material expenses. As advised by a donor, one scholarship is designated for a woman attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston, with preference given to an older than average woman student.
Learn more and download the application here
Northwest Minnesota Women's Hall of Fame
The women in the Hall of Fame are exemplary role models who have had a positive and significant impact on the social fabric of northwest Minnesota. Each has left a legacy that will endure far into the future. It is with pride that Bemidji State University and the Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund have made a long-term commitment to co-sponsor this project.
Learn about the women inducted into the Hall of Fame here (large pdf file)
Nominations will be accepted annually. The deadline is the first Monday in December for women to be considered for induction into the Northwest Minnesota Women's Hall of Fame. Nominees, who may be living or deceased, must demonstrate a connection to the area of northwest Minnesota that includes the counties of Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau.
A selection board will review the nominees based on the person's significant contribution to art, athletics, business, government, philanthropy, humanities, science or education. In particular, the nominee's achievements and contributions must be of enduring and lasting value to society, significant groups within the region, or to the progress and freedom of women.
Learn more and download the nomination form here
Outstanding Community Builders
Each year, the Women's Fund recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership for improving the quality of their own life or those around them. In our increasingly complex society, the Women's Fund seeks to applaud the efforts of the women who have made northwest Minnesota a better place to live, work, raise families and have fun.
Learn more and download a nomination form here
Download a list of past community builders here
For more information about any of these programs, contact Lisa Peterson.
