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News Items

Letter From the President

Steady and strong toward the horizon I grabbed my phone the other day, talked with one of my kids, checked texts and emails, and looked up the route to my next meeting. It struck me how deeply my phone has changed my life. It also got me to thinking – maybe it has you, too …

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Leech Lake Financial Services takes on predatory lending with nation-leading innovations that boost credit scores, lower defaults and build community wealth

Blandin Foundation grants help the Native CDFI expand local financial services to rural residents and support community development GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (June 8, 2023) – Two grants Blandin Foundation recently awarded to Leech Lake Financial Services (LLFS) to build local assets are positively impacting the community. Based in Cass Lake, Minn., LLFS provides a suite …

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Release: Itasca County Family YMCA set to strengthen service and meet the Grand Rapids area’s increased demand for affordable childcare, safe places for youth and positive social networks

$1.4 million Blandin Foundation grant signals the Foundation’s expanded focus on building nonprofits’ ability to meet their missions Key points: • Over the years, the Y has served as a vital community hub for thousands of Itasca area residents. • The $1.4 million Blandin Foundation grant will strengthen the Y’s ability to meet its mission …

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Blandin Foundation Trustee named a 2023 Women in Business

Blandin Foundation trustee Nadege Souvenir has been named a 2023 Women in Business award recipient. She is currently the chief operating officer of the St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation, and has served on the Blandin Foundation board since 2020. Read More

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Tuleah Palmer named Bemidji State’s 2023 Distinguished Minnesotan

Bemidji State University has named Blandin Foundation CEO Tuleah Palmer the 39th recipient of its Distinguished Minnesotan Award. This award is not limited to alumni, so previous honorees have included Alan Page, Paul Wellstone and Herb Brooks. As this year’s honoree, she will give the commencement speech for 2023 graduates on May 5. Read more

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News Release: Anishinaabe Education programs build cultural understanding, identity and Native student resiliency in NE MN

$150,000 Blandin Foundation grants in Grand Rapids and Deer River signal the Foundation’s expanded focus on American Indian Education Grand Rapids, MN – As the Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference wrapped up in Prior Lake, the Blandin Foundation announced two $150,000 grants for Anishinaabe education programs in NE Minnesota. (Anishinaabe is a broad term for …

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Blandin Foundation President and CEO Tuleah Palmer Appointed to Minneapolis Federal Reserve Community Advisory Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Palmer to advocate for rural communities in economic policymaking Grand Rapids, MN – The Blandin Foundation announced today that its President and CEO, Tuleah Palmer, has been invited by Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari to join the Federal Reserve Community Advisory Board (CAB). Palmer attended her first meeting on …

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