Created in 1986 by The McKnight Foundation, the Northland Foundation is a regional foundation serving the communities of northeastern Minnesota. Unlike the typical concept of a "foundation" — which is a charitable organization that makes grants to programs from their endowment — the Northland Foundation is unique. We serve our region through: 
    • a grantmaking program that provides resources to nonprofit 
      organizations in the region; 
    • an operating program, KIDS PLUS, that is dedicated to 
      improving the well-being of children and youth; 
    • a business finance program that provides financing to 
      assist small and medium-size businesses; 
    • an assisted living venture that a provides high-quality, 
      affordable living options to enable older adults to 
      age-in-place in underserved rural communities; and 
    • other special initiatives.