Matt Hanson

Growing up in Bemidji, I was always outside, taking in all that the area forests and lakes could teach me. When I later moved back home and met my incredible wife, we chose to raise our family here and I’m thankful that we have been able to share rural life together.

My passion for people, cultures, and community fostered a commitment to nonprofit work that now spans twenty-five years of connections and experiences. Prior to the Blandin Foundation, my relationship with philanthropy was largely as a grantee, sustaining program services with limited resources. As a member of the Grants team, I now advocate for changemakers dedicated to the land, water, and communities that we call home, which motivates and inspires me.

The Foundation’s vision of supporting rural Minnesota places that welcome diversity, address injustice, and embrace change is one that I deeply align with. I truly believe that we all do better when we all do better! As a Grants Program Officer, I am humbled and honored with the daily opportunity to support the broad-reaching efforts of grantseekers throughout the region.