Northland Foundation Supports Youth Resources, Services for Older Adults

Northland Foundation, Duluth, has shown its commitment to resources and out-of-school time activities for youth and opportunities and services for older adults with its recent round of grantmaking.

In the area of youth resources, the foundation awarded $10,000 to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota in Duluth to offer personal and social support services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth through the Together for Youth program. The Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County, Virginia, received a $5,000 grant to establish a program that addresses bullying and harassment issues in area schools. The foundation also provided $7,500 to Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, Duluth, in support of the Twin Ports Teen Council, which provides training, peer education and community service opportunities for young people.

In the area of out-of-school time activities, the foundation awarded $20,000 to Lakeside-Lester Park Community Club to support after-school program activities for upper elementary and middle school youth in the Duluth neighborhoods of Lakeside and Lester Park. The foundation also provided $2,500 to the McGregor Early Childhood Program to establish learning play centers for young children and families in the McGregor community. The Bell Museum of Natural History in Minneapolis received a $5,000 grant to create an after-school science club through a partnership between the Bell Museum and Ordean Middle School.

In the area of services for older adults, the foundation provided $2,000 to Grand Portage Elders Advisory Committee to support an experiential learning program for elders and other community members from the Grant Portage area. The Cook County Council on Aging in Grand Marais received a $3,000 grant to support older adults and people with disabilities to remain independent in their homes. The foundation also awarded $463 to Lake County Human Services, Two Harbors, to support three wellness and safety screening sessions for older adults.

The foundation also made grants in the areas of housing and community resources for low-income individuals and families. In total, the Northland Foundation awarded 63 grants totaling $313,593.