Regional Stories

Here For You In Greater Minnesota

Learn more about the people and places that the Minnesota Initiative Foundations serve every day.

Expanding Accessibility Up North

With financing help from Northland Foundation, a young couple opens a wheelchair-accessible Ely resort.

Fostering Community Leadership

The Run4Rural training supports people interested in public leadership.

Building Back Better

One year into a special grant round, nonprofits are transforming their post-pandemic services.

Downtown Entrepreneurship

Johnny and Jialing used a loan from SMIF on equipment and inventory to build up their kitchen.

The Ripple Effect of Child Care

The Zaske family benefits from and supports local child care solutions.

Philanthropy Fights Hunger

Local volunteers help ensure northern Minnesota children don’t go hungry.

Supporting FFN Child Care Providers

A regional program connects family, friend & neighbor “informal” child care providers with resources.

A Gift of Gratitude

Blandin leader views $10,000 donation as part thank-you, part investment in the region.

Unlocking Child Care Solutions

Addressing the child care shortage requires many different community stakeholders working together.

A New Era of Career Exploration

Partners are leaning in to strengthen students’ ties to the region and open their eyes to local careers.

Addressing Homelessness

New approaches prioritize equity and dignity in addressing youth homelessness in northwest Minnesota.

A Climate Action Plan

The first Climate Action Plan for the region includes 40 strategies and 273 actions to take.