Valley Youth Centers

Valley Youth Centers has been serving youth in the western neighborhoods of Duluth since 1983. VYC understands the importance of play and creating opportunities for youth to grow, learn and succeed in life with the support of positive adult mentors. In 2015, Valley Youth took on a new project to develop an outdoor-based recreation program providing youth access to recreational projects that they may have not experienced previously. Creating opportunities for youth to develop a healthy life-style, socialize and engage in positive activities with caring adults can make a significant difference in the choices young people make for their future. To help launch this new initiative, the Foundation was honored to provide a grant of $26,000.

Northwoods Volunteer Connection

Northwoods Volunteer Connection (NVC) is a new organization located in Cook County Minnesota focused on recruiting, training and providing volunteers for projects within or near the Superior National Forest. NVC works to be better stewards of the land by putting boots on the ground and tools in the hands of people that care about the northwoods. Working on public lands, volunteers help ensure good trail and forest management practices, increase forest health, and gain new experiences while doing meaningful projects. In 2015 the Foundation assisted with start-up efforts for Northwoods Volunteer Connection with a grant of $20,000.

GND Development Alliance

As is often quoted, never doubt what a small group of citizens can do to change the world. In this case, GND Development Alliance, a small group of concerned citizens, took on a project to revitalize the Gary New Duluth Recreation Area into a fully functioning Community Center and Recreation Area. Through the dedicated efforts of many volunteers and community partners, a beautiful gathering spot is being created in Gary New Duluth. The Foundation provided $25,000 in grant funding to support an open-air pavilion at the Center that will be used by the community for many years to come.

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center located in Finland, Minnesota was awarded two grants in 2015 – an unusual move by the Foundation but important in supporting the educational work of this fine organization. The first grant in early 2015 was for $20,000 to support the “Naturalist Training Program” - a unique program providing training and experiences to 20 naturalists annually. The second grant in late 2015 for $50,000 in capital support, seized on an exciting opportunity Wolf Ridge had to create a new learning experience for students on the shores of Lake Superior.

Lyric Opera of the North

Lyric Opera of the North (LOON) has been delighting area audiences since 2004 with fully-staged, high-quality opera. In 2015, realizing their responsibility to introduce new generations to opera and provide opportunities for the area’s emerging artists, LOON launched “Little Opera of the North” (Little LOON) with the assistance of a $5,000 grant from the Foundation. A children’s adaption of Hansel and Gretel performed in local elementary schools, is the first of many children’s performances to come for Little LOON.