The Northland Foundation, through its Youth In Philanthropy Board (YIP), awards grants totaling $9,766 in its winter 2025 funding round to 11 projects within the geographic area that the foundation serves. One of the grantees is Cook County ISD 166 in Grand Marais. They received $996 to “support a student-led program offering nutritious snacks and healthy food options to peers, fostering confidence, self-esteem, and belonging.”
The Youth in Philanthropy Advisory Board program empowers young people to engage in philanthropy. It consists of middle and high school students from northeastern Minnesota who gain hands-on experience in philanthropy by reviewing grant applications and making funding decisions.
Students appointed to the Youth In Philanthropy Board make real-world grantmaking decisions with guidance from volunteer adult mentors. This year’s board includes Aitkin, Barnum, Cherry, Cloquet, Duluth, Hermantown, Superior, and Two Harbors students.
Up to $1,000 in grants are available for youth-based school and community projects. To receive a grant, children and youth must complete the application and carry out the project with the support of an adult adviser.
The YIP Program is funded by the Scott and Holly Martin Family Foundation, the Northland Foundation’s Emeritus Trustee Group members, and the Northland Foundation.
Northland and YIP manage three grant rounds per year: October, January, and April. The next application deadline is April 1, 2025. Check the Northland Foundation website, https://northlandfdn.org/, for details.
Grants were also awarded to Aitkin ISD 001, $870; Hermantown Community Schools, $500; Devildogs, Duluth, $500; North St Louis County 4-H Federation, Virginia, $1,000; Hermantown Community Schools, $1,000; Valley Youth Centers, Duluth, $900; Hope Community Presbyterian Church, Virginia, $1,000; Duluth Edison Charter Schools, $1,000; Esko ISD 099, $1,000; and Duluth Robotics, $1,000.
