Boreal Waters Community Foundation awards $50,235 to 19 organizations in Cook County
Apr 22, 2026 09:49AM ● By Content Editor
Image: Boreal Waters Community Foundation
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - April 22, 2026
The Boreal Waters Community Foundation (formerly the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation) recently announced $689,705 in grants to 88 organizations across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. This includes $50,235 awarded to 19 organizations in Cook County.
The foundation focuses on strengthening the region through grants, scholarships, and leadership support for local initiatives, according to its website. According to Communications Manager Carly Viegut, grantees are selected by local volunteers through the Cook County Community Fund advisory committee. The Cook County Community Fund supports the unique needs and opportunities of the community through community-driven philanthropy.
"These decisions weren’t made from afar; they were made by people who live and work in the community," Viegut said. While advisory committees select the recipients, Boreal Waters provides the administrative and financial framework, "creating a model that combines regional resources with local insight," she added.
Boreal Community Media: Youth-Focused Storytelling – $1,000.00
Care Partners of Cook County: Care Partners Education & Advocacy – $5,000.00
Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District: Tree Tubes for Forest Health – $1,000.00
Cook County Higher Education: Tutoring Support – $5,000.00
Cook County Historical Society: Youth Volunteer Experiences – $1,000.00
First Congregational UCC Grand Marais: Timber Frame Swing Set – $2,000.00
Foster Advocates: Foster-Led Community Connection – $3,000.00
Gunflint Trail Historical Society: Outfitting Exhibit – $3,000.00
Justice North (fka LASNEM): Cook County Civil Legal Services – $3,000.00
Let's Plant Trees: Native Tree Seedlings – $2,000.00
Lutsen Township: Fire Dept. Aerial Technology – $4,000.00
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Northern Moose Alliance – $2,000.00
North House Folk School: 2026 Community Concerts – $2,000.00
Vital North Foundation: Food Access Backpack Program – $3,000.00
North Shore Music Association: Cooperative Listening with Mike Lewis – $2,200.00
Second Harvest Northland: Equitable Food Access – $5,000.00
Shining Moment Fund Spring 2026: $6,035.00
Lake Superior YMCA: All Bodies Move – $4,035.00
Girl Scouts (Lakes and Pines): Cook County Financial Aid – $1,000.00
Head of the Lakes United Way: Babysitter Training – $1,000.00
In addition to Cook County, three other communities received significant funding:
Eveleth Community Foundation: $27,348
South Shore Community Fund: $180,174
Two Harbors Area Community Fund: $92,966
"These grants reflect what’s possible when local leadership and regional resources come together," said Shaun Floerke, President and CEO of Boreal Waters Community Foundation. "Our role is to support communities in directing resources where they matter most."
