Apostle Islands Area Human Rights Fund

Apostle Islands Area Human Rights Fund is sponsored by Boreal Waters Community Foundation. This fund supports efforts to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for all and to combat bigotry and discrimination by engaging people in dialogue, discussion, relationship-building, cross-cultural awareness, and interaction.

Spring 2026 Grant Cycle: Timeline, Funds & Application Details Spring 2026 Grant Cycle: Timeline, Funds & Application Details 📅 2026 Spring Grant Cycle Timeline January 5 | Spring Grant Info Session (for applicants) - VIEW RECORDING HERE January 5 | Applications open – APPLY HERE February 2 at 11:59 PM | Applications close ‍ February 16 – March 26 | Committee Review Period April 16 | Recommendations presented to Boreal Waters Community Foundation Board April 16 | Applicants Notified of decisions April 30 | Grant Payments Issued June 1, 2026 (or later) to 12 months of start date | Grant period Please note: The grant portal dashboard has a new look.

To begin a new application, click APPLY or SEE OPPORTUNITIES at the top of your home page.

Opportunities available in the Spring Grant Cycle: Cook County Community Fund Cook County Community Fund Eveleth Community Foundation ‍ Eveleth Community Foundation Fund South Shore Community Fund Apostle Islands Area Community Fund ‍ Apostle Islands Area Human Rights Fund ‍ Chequamegon Bay Area Community Fund ‍ Grutzner Madeline Island Fund ‍ Mary H.

Rice Community Innovation Fund ‍ Michael Madeline Island Fund ‍ Red Cliff / Miskwaabikaang Fund ‍ Two Harbors Area Community Fund ‍ Animal-Assisted Therapy Fund ‍ Four Cedars Environmental Fund ‍ Fund for Women and Girls ‍ Sandbulte Family Higher Education Endowment Fund ‍ Silver Bay Charitable Fund ‍ To be eligible to apply for funding, an organization must meet both of the following criteria: The organization must be classified by the IRS as one of the following: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization A Section 170(c)(1) public entity (e.g., governmental agencies, public schools) A Section 7871 Tribal government An organization with a fiscal sponsor that is classified under one of the above categories The organization must serve communities within the Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s service area .

‍ **Please note that spring grants are not available in Price and Iron Counties; however, organizations in those counties may apply to the Transformation and Community Opportunity Fund grant rounds later this year. We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work .

Generally funding can be used for the following; ( Please note that specific funds may have certain criteria that differ from these) Program or Project Support : To launch, expand, or sustain work in alignment with the mission of the grant General Operating Support : To build strength and stability Capacity Building : To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership Community-Led Solutions : Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration Systems Change and Upstream Impact : Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms To stay aligned with our mission, we do not fund : Individuals or direct personal aid Capital campaigns or major construction projects One-time equipment purchases without strategic context Fundraising events or sponsorships Political or lobbying efforts Religious activities (non-religious programming by faith-based organizations is eligible) Regranting to other groups (funds must be used directly by the applicant to carry out the proposed work) Spring 2026 Application Questions You can view the application questions and related criteria here: 👉 Spring 2026 Application Questions We're Here to Support You We know applying for funding takes time and energy, and we're here to support you along the way.

We encourage you to watch the Spring Grants Info Session if this is your first time applying for a grant in this round. If you have questions about eligibility, fit or the application process, please reach out to: Kursula Harris | Senior Community Impact Associate ✉️ kursula@borealwaters. org