We believe Northwest Minnesota offers boundless opportunities.
We champion ideas that stabilize and strengthen our communities.
Let’s work together
Find the pathway for you. From grants, loans, and scholarships to business consulting and local giving, we’re here to guide and support donors and recipients alike.
Need our help? Let’s talk.
For Donors
We’re here to guide your every step as you leave a legacy that will support generations to come.
For Grantees
With a dedicated focus on keeping Northwest Minnesota strong, every neighbor plays a role in the future of our region.
For Businesses
Making your business strong makes our whole community stronger. Gain mentorship, connections, and resources.
Where we help
Child Care
Seeking innovative, sustainable solutions to unique child care needs in the community.
Children & Families
Supporting Tribal leaders in building youth confidence for the future of our region.
Ending Homelessness
Building better lives in Northwest Minnesota with an improved homelessness response system.
Housing
Leading and supporting collaborative efforts to add housing capacity in the region.
Community Revitalization
Investing in rural communities to help them achieve their full potential.
News & Ideas
Learn more about the ways we’re working in the community.
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.
Child Care: $1 million invested, thousands of families supported
Through its Child Care Finance Program, NMF has now reached a milestone of more than $1 million invested in providers across Northwest Minnesota.