Community Opportunity Fund (Transformation Grant)

Community Opportunity Fund (Transformation Grant) is sponsored by Boreal Waters Community Foundation (formerly Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation). This fund supports transformative projects that address root causes of significant challenges within the strategic investment areas of Opportunity, Resilience, and Belonging, through collaborative efforts.

Community Opportunity Fund A FUTURE WHERE EVERYONE CAN THRIVE Community Opportunity Fund The Community Opportunity Fund is the heart of our work at Boreal Waters. It’s how we unite generosity across the region to spark bold ideas, strengthen local nonprofits, and create lasting change for communities across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Fund directs resources where they’re needed most—supporting transformative, collaborative projects that help communities thrive, even in times of challenge. And it’s made possible by people like you. DONATE 2025 community opportunity fund awards community impact in action Through the Community Opportunity Fund, $15 Million Has Been Awarded To Over 475 Organizations.

Collective generosity is the engine behind this impact. With your support, Collaborating across sectors Tackling complex challenges Building long-term, sustainable solutions From early childhood development to climate resilience, from economic opportunity to inclusive cultural spaces, this fund brings people and ideas together to shape a brighter future.

Duluth Center for Women and Children In 2023, we restructured the Community Opportunity Fund to more powerfully address the evolving needs of our region. With an expanded focus and larger, more flexible grants, we’re helping nonprofits move from short-term fixes to long-term solutions. Projects that empower individuals to achieve economic stability and independence.

Projects that enhance the ability of organizations, families, or communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from challenges, creating sustainable, long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote resilience. Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Elevating Opportunity, Resilience or Belonging initiatives to a transformative level by emphasizing collaboration, upstream focus, and long-term sustainability. Rooted in trust, the Community Opportunity Fund invests in those who know their communities best—and walks alongside them as they lead the way.

Thank You To Our Fund Donors We’re deeply grateful to the families, businesses, and foundations who make this collective impact possible. Your generosity is transforming lives and building stronger communities every day. Campbell Family Charitable Fund Carolyn Joy Seitz Family Fund C.

E. , Jr. and M. K.

Fuller Fund Dale Heimbach Wheeler Memorial Fund Dr. and Mrs. Bernhard Boecker Charitable Fund Dr. William and Kay Slack Family Fund Ed and Jane Ryan Family Fund Erick Peter Person Memorial Fund Family Service Sharing Fund Hazel B. and A. Wallace Niss Charitable Fund Holly C.

Sampson Fund for Community Initiatives Hubert D. and Mildred S. Wheeler Family Fund Jeffrey and Jill Widness Fund John S.

and James L. Knight Foundation Fund Robert, Gwen, Blake and Conner Erickson Family Fund Second Chance Endowment Fund Smith Danielson Family Fund Todd, Susan, Matthew and Hilary Johnson 2007 Charitable Fund Weckwerth-Sampson Family Fund Wildey H. Mitchell Family Fund Create Change That Lasts.

When you give to the Community Opportunity Fund, you're not just donating—you’re investing in the people, places, and possibilities of this region we all call home. Community Opportunity Fund Stories Boreal Waters Awards $300,000 Transformation Grant to Support Pathway Forward Pathway Forward brings Union Gospel Mission, Damiano Center and Chum together to strengthen services for people moving from crisis to stability.

World on Water: Where Learning Comes Alive When you step into Mrs. Thwaits’ classroom at Winterquist Elementary in Esko, Minnesota, the first thing you notice isn’t the desks or the whiteboard, it’s the water. 2026 Transformation Grant Guidelines & Application Process Support for nonprofits aiming to create lasting, equitable change across our region. Here’s what to know before applying.

Discover More Community stories