NWAF News Release

Northwest Area Foundation Announces $2.25 Million in Grants to 'Bank the Unbanked,' Build Job Skills, Engage Leadership, and Improve Public Policy

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Dec. 21, 2011) - It may be hard to imagine that in an age of online banking the FDIC says one in four families don’t have the money to open a bank account or tap basic financial services.[i] Northwest Area Foundation’s grant to the Mission Asset Fund is designed to ‘bank the unbanked’ by replicating an innovative peer lending program. It provides low-income families the chance to get a loan, build credit scores, and become full banking consumers. The Foundation’s $200,000 award to Mission Asset Fund is meant to provide an alternative to payday loans, predatory lending, and check cashing services with high fees that make it difficult to build wealth. It is among $2.25 million in grants the Foundation announced in the fourth quarter of 2011 to further strategies of increasing assets and wealth, building leadership and capacity, and improving public policy to reduce poverty.

“When families are struggling to get ahead, the last thing they need is excessive bank fees that rob them of their chance to build assets,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO. “The grants we have made are aimed at making prosperity possible for low-income people by providing access to banking, financial education, job training, leadership development, and improved public policies.”

Grants to support financial education:

CFED (Corporation for Enterprise Development) of Washington, D.C., received $500,000 over two years to strengthen the ability of asset- and wealth-building organizations that work with low-income families. Grant dollars will be used to foster collaboration in the Assets and Opportunity Network, a national movement of advocates, practitioners, policymakers, and others working to expand the reach and deepen the impact of asset-based strategies.
Iowa Caregivers Association of Des Moines, Iowa, received $215,000 over two years to work with its national partner, PHI, to provide asset-building programs for low-income direct care workers.
Build Wealth MN of Minneapolis, Minn., received $75,000 for a two-year financial education program that teaches families budgeting and savings, and matches them with basic financial products, services, programs, and affordable housing resources.

Grants to provide vocational training:

Rural Learning Center of Howard, S.D., received $100,000 for the Green Jobs training project to prepare low- and moderate-income workers for careers as wind turbine installers and energy technicians in the emerging renewable energy industry.
Spectrum Resource Program of Des Moines, Iowa, received $60,000 for the Phoenix Project, which provides entry level job training for ex-offenders ages 18 – 21.

The following grants further the Foundation’s strategy of engaging leadership and building organizational ability:

Headwaters Foundations for Justice of Minneapolis, Minn., received $75,000 to engage leaders in the Twin Cities African American Leadership Forum
Urban League of Portland of Portland, Ore., received $36,267 to support efforts of the Portland African American Leadership Forum.
Native Americans in Philanthropy of Minneapolis, Minn., received $150,000 to develop leadership and organizational ability through engagement and knowledge sharing that will help build vibrant Native American communities in urban, rural and tribal areas.
Take Action Minnesota Education Fund of St. Paul, Minn., received $50,000 for organizing community leaders who will advocate for policies that reduce poverty.

The Foundation made two grants to advance the work of the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative affiliates, which conduct rigorous, independent research and analysis on policies, particularly those that impact low- and moderate-income working families:

Montana Budget and Policy Center of Helena, Mont., received $200,000.
South Dakota Voices for Children of Sioux Falls, S.D., received $175,000 for the South Dakota Budget & Policy Project. The Foundation also made a grant of $25,000 to support two statewide coalitions that advocate for policies that promote asset-building among low-income families.

For a detailed list of Northwest Area Foundation’s fourth quarter grants, visit www.nwaf.org/content/fourthqgrants11.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by people, organizations and communities to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Foundation’s service region includes urban, rural and American Indian reservation communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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[i] FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households. January 2009. http://www.fdic.gov/householdsurvey/

Northwest Area Foundation Launches Native American Social Entrepreneurship Initiative

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

Effort to build Native economies focuses on creating local businesses

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Oct. 13, 2011) Northwest Area Foundation has launched a Native American Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, an innovative effort to increase the number and strength of reservation-based Native businesses. Supported by $1.59 million in grants, this two-year undertaking aims to bolster Native financial institutions that would spawn new businesses and new jobs that, over time, build stronger communities. Native social entrepreneurship not only uses business principles to build wealth, but also to formulate solutions to social issues.

“Historically, less than one-half of one percent of philanthropic dollars is invested in Native American programs, and studies indicate that number is decreasing. This initiative seeks to invest in Native communities’ ability to reduce poverty and build prosperity. We hope other funders will see this as an opportunity for investment and impact,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

Native social entrepreneurship is one of several investment pathways identified during Foundation-sponsored roundtable discussions with Native and philanthropic leaders. Together they developed a bold and multifaceted vision for thriving Native communities describing ways funders might support efforts in healthcare, education, economic development, community revitalization and more.

“Native social entrepreneurship offers great hope for social change that reduces poverty. Currently, most Native American reservations have little to no locally-based businesses. When nearly all money is spent outside Native communities, there are few opportunities to create jobs, earn a living, and build prosperous families,” added Walker.

Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network (ONABEN) of Tigard, Ore. will lead the two-year initiative. The Foundation awarded ONABEN a $491,627 grant to support an educational cohort in which the participating Native organizations will meet regularly to learn and share best practices. The goal is to increase their ability to improve entrepreneurship in their communities. Training and assistance will focus on strengthening their operations and prospects for long-term sustainability and on applying entrepreneurial principles to social issues in the broader community. Participants will test innovative asset-based strategies and expand services that create assets and wealth.

Six additional grants have been awarded to Native nonprofits participating in the cohort. Many of these organizations are community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that support new businesses with loans, business plan development, marketing assistance, and financial projections. In addition, they will receive funds to implement pilot programs that build assets and wealth.

Four Bands Community Fund Inc. of Eagle Butte, S.D. will receive up to $100,000 over two years to create a green business development curriculum, including green business training and entrepreneurship outreach services. Four Bands will work in partnership with Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures.

Hunkpati Investments Inc. of Fort Thompson, S.D. will receive up to $200,000 for its fledgling Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which seeks to stimulate economic growth on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian reservation. Located in one of the most impoverished regions in the nation, Hunkpati Investments will pilot a youth financial initiative offering financial education, job training, matched savings accounts, and hands-on business experience.

Lakota Funds of Kyle, S.D. will receive up to $200,000 to support a pilot project for a children’s matched savings program known as Children’s Development Accounts (CDA). The program will offer financial education that embraces partnerships with area schools, churches, and other community organizations. If successful, the CDAs will be introduced on other Native American reservations.

Northwest Native Development Fund (NNDF) of Nespelem, Wash. will receive up to $200,000 to implement its Growing into Our Footprint project which will expand business training, outreach, tax preparation assistance, and access to loans. This initiative will promote matched savings programs and use of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Taala Fund of Taholah, Wash. will receive up to $200,000 for the Quinault Asset Building initiative, which introduces youth to financial management and business principles in order to pave pathways to future prosperity. The grant provides resources for the Taala Fund, a CDFI, to provide asset-building services such as training, assistance, and microloans.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation – Business Service Center of Pendleton, Ore. will receive up to $200,000 to provide business and financial education as early as elementary school. The curriculum will include a hands-on summer internship for middle school and high school students to prepare them for the emerging economy on the Umatilla reservation.

For a detailed list of Northwest Area Foundation’s third quarter grants, visit www.nwaf.org/content/thirdqgrants. To listen to a podcast on Native social entrepreneurship, visit http://www.nwaf.org/Media/AudioVideoGallery.

Northwest Area Foundation Grants $1.825 Million for Small Business, Jobs, Civic Engagement and Leadership

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (August 15, 2011) – Starting and growing a business in recession-battered North Minneapolis became more challenging after the ravages of a May tornado. Northwest Area Foundation’s $75,000 grant to the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) providing assistance, training, and loans to fledgling businesses is one of 31 awards totaling $1.825 million in the second quarter of 2011. The grant comes as many storm-damaged enterprises confront the financial setback of rebuilding, relocating, or reopening. It is an example of the Foundation’s strategy to build assets and wealth among low-income people through grants to nonprofit organizations that bolster small business and workforce development.

“Small businesses are often the engines driving jobs creation. Investing in nonprofits that help them is an important strategy during a time of roller coaster unemployment and unexpected hardships,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “The grants are intended to open paths to prosperity for low-income families through workforce development, public policy initiatives, and leadership development.”

The Foundation also made entrepreneurship and workforce development grants to the following organizations for entrepreneur and job training, access to loans, and small business assistance:

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) of Duluth, Minn. received $100,000 to expand Duluth at Work, a partnership with the city to boost pay and small business opportunities for low-income workers. Grant dollars will fund green jobs, financial training and efforts to overcome barriers to employment. Since 2008, Duluth at Work has provided job training that propelled 175 people into new employment, many whose wages increased by at least 25 percent.
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) of St. Paul, Minn. received $100,000 for the Entrepreneur Programs and National Model, a model that will be shared with regional and national organizations.
Portland Development Commission of Portland, Ore. received $100,000 to support the Metropolitan Contractors Improvement Project (MCIP) and a green careers scholarship fund. MCIP works with low-income, minority, and disadvantaged contractors to increase their ability to bid on green construction jobs and weatherization jobs through Clean Energy Works Oregon.
Immigrant Development Center of Moorhead, Minn. received $50,000 to strengthen small, immigrant-owned businesses that may have opportunity to operate out of the International Marketplace Plaza currently under development in Fargo, N.D.
Rural Dynamics, Inc. of Great Falls, Mont. received $100,000 for the Mobilizing Rural Communities initiative, aimed at strengthening the ability of community organizers and asset-builders to develop action plans to reduce poverty.

In addition, the Foundation made grants to improve public policy that impacts low-income families. A total of $260,000 will support statewide coalitions and the work of the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI). A network of organizations that analyze tax and budget policies, SFAI affiliates focus on needs of low- and moderate- income families. Grant dollars will fund coalition building, research, analysis, training, strategic planning, and advocacy meetings. The following nonprofits received grants:

Washington State Budget & Policy Center of Seattle, Wash.
Children’s Alliance of Seattle, Wash.
Neighborhood Partnerships of Portland, Ore.
Consensus Council, Inc. on behalf of North Dakota Economic Security & Prosperity Alliance of Bismarck, N.D.
Montana Budget & Policy Center of Helena, Mont.
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits of St. Paul, Minn.

The Foundation granted a total of $325,000 to four nonprofit organizations to promote civic engagement, community organizing, and advocacy for public policies that increase assets and wealth. The following organizations will work in the Foundation’s region of Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon:

Center for Community Change of Washington, D.C. received $125,000.
Demos of New York, N.Y. received $75,000.
National Congress of American Indians of Washington, D.C. received $75,000.
Western Organization Resource Councils Education Project of Billings, Mont. received $50,000.

The Foundation made grants to strengthen the leadership and organizational ability of asset- and wealth-building nonprofits, including:

National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) of San Antonio, Texas received $250,000 to expand regional partnerships for workforce and leadership development, and small business strategies. NALCAB will provide business training, professional development, and access to grants and loans that strengthen asset-building organizations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
Native American Community Development Institute of Minneapolis, Minn. received $150,000 for the American Indian Community Blueprint and the American Indian Cultural Corridor plan that fosters community development and cultural identity.
Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation of Porcupine, S.D. received $70,000 for the Capacity, Leadership and Asset Development project. The grant will fund a capital campaign, strategic planning, and construction of a new building.
Native American Community Development Corporation of Browning, Mont. received $50,000 to expand youth financial training to three additional schools on the Blackfeet reservation and to introduce in schools on the Rocky Boys and Fort Belknap reservations.

For a complete list of Northwest Area Foundation’s second quarter grants, visit www.nwaf.org/content/secondqgrants.

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Northwest Area Foundation Welcomes New Staff Members

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (June 20, 2011) - The Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of new staff members in Programs and in Finance and Administration. Christianne Lind has joined as a program officer. Sherry Fisher is the new executive assistant and project coordinator.

Christianne Lind will manage the Foundation’s portfolio of public policy grants. She leaves a position at the Finance Project, a nonprofit research, training, and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Her duties there included coordinating the Grantmakers Income Security Taskforce (GIST), an affinity group of the Council on Foundations, focused on alleviating poverty and building prosperity in the U.S. Lind holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and a master’s degree from the University Of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School Of Public Policy.

Sherry Fisher is executive assistant and project coordinator for the vice president of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. A graduate of University of St. Catherine, Fisher recently worked in accounting and management at Ameriprise Financial.

“We are excited to have Christianne and Sherry join our team. While they will serve very different functions, they share a passion for our mission of reducing poverty and building prosperity. The diverse skills they bring to their respective positions will contribute greatly to our success,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by people, organizations and communities to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Foundation’s service region includes urban, rural and American Indian reservation communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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$1.83 Million in Northwest Area Foundation Grants Bolster Green Jobs, Native Leadership, Asset Building and Public Policy Work

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (May 11, 2011) – Some low-income, working families are eligible for tax credit money from the Internal Revenue Service, but many aren’t aware of it. Northwest Area Foundation awarded a grant so the two in 10 families that currently don’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will collect that refund. Some may be eligible to receive up to $5,657 for tax year 2010 depending on family size. The Foundation’s grant of $125,000 to AccountAbility Minnesota (AAM) will support free tax preparation services in 2011 and 2012 to help connect struggling families to tax refunds, money that may boost personal assets above the poverty line. AAM also partners with banks and credit unions to offer financial services, like free savings accounts and low-cost prepaid debit cards, which are available to families regardless of their banking or credit history. These products are aimed at creating more savings, less debt and better credit.

This support to AAM is among 50 grants totaling $1.83 million the Foundation made between October 15, 2010 and March 31, 2011. The grants support efforts to increase wealth among people with low incomes, develop leadership skills, and to shape public policy. These efforts are critical to reducing poverty long term.

“The best path out of poverty is to increase household income, so families can get beyond the paycheck-to-paycheck struggle and start building long-term assets. We are investing in programs to create living wage jobs, increase financial security, support small businesses, and improve policies that are barriers to prosperity,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

Among the other grants are:

•Enterprise Cascadia (formerly ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia) of Ilwaco, Wash. received $125,000 for the Community Power Works Community Power Works program in Seattle that offers energy-saving home improvements and creates living wage jobs in the budding green energy sector. Enterprise Cascadia will establish a lending pool to enable disadvantaged and start-up businesses to participate in weatherization contracts offered through the city of Seattle.
•CFED (Corporation for Enterprise Development) of Washington, D.C. received $250,000 for the Building Financial Assets in the Northwest project to promote small business development, provide business assistance, and advance policies that will help low-income businesses succeed.
•Native Americans in Philanthropy of Minneapolis, Minn. received $100,000 on behalf of the Native Youth Leadership Alliance to support the Tribal College Students Project, a program that develops student leaders with skills to initiate economic development in their Native communities.
•Mountain States Group, Inc. of Boise, Idaho received $100,000 to establish and support the work of the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI) in Idaho. The SFAI is committed to in-depth analysis that will inform the development of tax and budget policy, with a focus on the needs of low- and moderate-income families.

For a complete list of Northwest Area Foundation’s grants, visit www.nwaf.org/content/firstqgrants.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by people, organizations and communities to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Foundation’s service region includes urban, rural and American Indian reservation communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

Northwest Area Foundation Recognized for Supporting Local Leadership in Black Communities

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 6, 2011) - “African Americans have made significant gain in recent decades to overcome poverty. Many are leaders in government, business and the arts,” said Gary Cunningham, vice president of programs for the Northwest Area Foundation. “I am privileged to know men and women who want to pave the way for others to share in that prosperity. They come together to awaken hope, identify a vision for tomorrow, and then put this to action.”

Mr. Cunningham’s and the Foundation’s efforts to support African American leaders have earned the 2011 Institutional Award for Philanthropic Leadership from the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE). This award recognizes the Foundation for its role in mobilizing the African American Leadership Forums, an initiative that convenes community leaders to address issues of poverty, access and opportunity.

“We commend Northwest Area Foundation for recognizing and building on the strengths of existing leadership in African American communities,” said Susan Taylor Batten, president and CEO of ABFE. “The Foundation has been instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of leaders to influence the root causes of inequalities that adversely impact Black communities.”

In response to a disproportionately high poverty rate among Blacks, the Foundation engaged African American leaders in a strategy to strengthen their collaboration and understanding. A series of forums in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., Portland, Ore., Des Moines, Iowa and Seattle, Wash. have begun to galvanize partnerships to develop community-based solutions to promote social and economic well-being among African Americans.

“We are humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Kevin Walker, Foundation president and CEO. “Leaders in the African American community bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and creativity to society. Participants in these forums are finding that by coming together across the boundaries of their various professions, they can frame a broad agenda for change and begin to tear down obstacles to opportunity.”

The Foundation will accept this honor during the James A. Joseph Lecture and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 9, 2011 prior to the start of the Council on Foundations Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

ABFE’s mission is to promote effective and responsive philanthropy in Black communities. Established in 1971, ABFE is the first of 38 affinity groups the Council on Foundations established. To learn more visit www.abfe.org

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in eight states to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org

Native Youth Business Training Nets National Award for Northwest Area Foundation Senior Program Officer

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 10, 2011) - Isolated, disadvantaged Native youth could walk the career path of budding business owners through a culturally-relevant youth entrepreneur curriculum. Northwest Area Foundation Senior Program Officer Anthony Genia devised the training program as a way for disadvantaged Native adolescents to aspire to be entrepreneurs that create living wage jobs.

Genia’s idea made him one of five winners in the first-ever nationwide Launch Pad contest (http://launchpad.encore.org). The online challenge garnered thousands of votes for his Native American Youth Economic Warrior Project, beating out 20 other finalists from 1,000 submissions. A culturally-relevant business training curriculum, the Project is designed to break the cycle of poverty by training preteen Native Americans in the U.S. economic system and business world.

“Native Americans suffer the highest poverty rates in America. In order to turn that around, we need to reach young people with values-based training by the time they enter middle school,” said Genia. “The Native culture embraces values of generosity and reciprocity, and that sometimes contradicts the concept of individual business achievement.”

Genia, a member of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa, will use his $5,000 prize to develop and field test the training based on traditional Native cultural values. Genia believes the project will spur entrepreneurial qualities that fueled successful tribes generations ago. His goal is to make the curriculum available to philanthropic and nonprofit organizations that are working to develop assets and wealth among Native Americans.

“It is amazing the widespread support and interest for Native youth business training. I received e-mails of support from as far away as Massachusetts, New Mexico and Washington,” added Genia.

The Launch Pad contest, sponsored by Encore Careers, aims to help people over age 45 turn creative ideas for solving community problems into working solutions. The public selected the five finalists during a month-long online voting period. In addition to the prize money, winners can tap resources and support from the larger Encore.org community.

Launch Pad is a project of Civic Ventures, a think tank on boomers, work, and social purpose, and sponsor of The Purpose Prize, which invests in five social innovators over 60 each year who are making extraordinary contributions to the greater good. Civic Ventures promotes encore careers – which combine purpose, passion and a paycheck – in many other ways, including advice and resources on Encore.org. To learn more about the award and the other finalists, visit http://www.encore.org/five-winners-launch-pad.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations, and communities in Minnesota, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Trustees

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (January 19, 2011) - The Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three members of its Board of Directors to serve as Trustees: William Thorndike, Jr. of Medford, Ore.; Sally Pederson of Des Moines, Iowa; and Natalie Camacho Mendoza of Boise, Idaho. They will serve three-year terms.

In addition to the new appointments, two trustees were reappointed to another three-year term: Rodney Jordan of Plymouth, Minn., Nicholas Slade of Minneapolis, Minn. Father Kevin McDonough of St. Paul, Minn., is also a Trustee. All six Trustees serve as members of the Board of Directors as well.

Trustees are charged with ensuring that the Foundation meets its philanthropic obligations as outlined in the 1934 Deed of Trust established by its founder, Louis W. Hill. Their responsibilities include electing members of the Board of Directors.

“We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of Trustees from across the Northwest area. They bring a deep understanding of our mission and will provide superior leadership,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

The Northwest Area Foundation Board of Directors consists of representatives from throughout the Foundation’s eight-state region. In addition to the six Trustees, the Board of Directors includes: Chair Dorothy Bridges of Minneapolis. Minn.; Terrence Glarner, Louis F. Hill, and Linda Hoeschler of St. Paul, Minn.; Darrell Robes Kipp of Browning, Mont.; Elsie Meeks of Rapid City, S.D.; Mary Jean Ryan of Seattle, Wash.; and Sarah Vogel of Bismarck, N.D.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in eight states to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Trustees

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:54:56 CST

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Trustees

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:58:24 CST

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards Grants for Native American Jobs Creation, Financial Education and Asset-Building

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (December 7, 2010) Efforts to overcome poverty are taking a decidedly green turn, supported by Northwest Area Foundation grants. The Foundation has announced five grants totaling $550,000 to nonprofit organizations that work to build assets and leadership abilities among Native Americans. They are among $1.79 million in awards the Foundation approved. Funded initiatives span Tribal classrooms in South Dakota to green jobs training in Oregon.

Amid the rolling prairies of South Dakota, Native tribes have realized their next generation needs tools to break the cycle of poverty. One strategy is to offer financial education as early as elementary school. A grant of $100,000 to Four Bands Community Fund will help make that a reality on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Four Bands is developing the Making Waves curriculum and will market it to other South Dakota tribes so they, too, can introduce it in their schools.

Nearly 2,000 miles away in Portland, Ore., a $125,000 grant to the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) focuses on developing green jobs and small businesses. NAYA will form partnerships to establish career development services and a job training center focused on green energy opportunities. A new Family Center Marketplace will offer small entrepreneurs a place to test business plans before launching their ventures.

“These grants reflect the commitment we have to increasing prosperity among Native Americans living on and off the reservation. We’re supporting projects designed to build personal assets through new jobs and strong communities,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of the Foundation.

The $550,000 granted will support workforce development, asset-building and community leadership.

For workforce development and small-business strategies - $250,000 was awarded to two nonprofits:

Montana Community Development Corporation of Missoula, Mont. received $125,000 to expand jobs creation and economic development in eastern Montana and on five Native American reservations.
Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) of Portland, Ore. received $125,000 to support the Green Job Training & Small Business Development project.

To combine asset-building with community development - $200,000 was awarded to two nonprofits:

Four Bands Community Fund of Eagle Butte, S.D. received $100,000 to introduce the Making Waves youth financial education in Tribal schools.
Oregon Native American Business & Entrepreneurial Network (ONABEN) of Tigard, Ore. received $100,000 to continue its work increasing family assets, the Indian Entrepreneurship Development System, and partnerships to create new sources of Native capital.

To build leadership to reduce poverty - $100,000 was awarded to one organization:

Native Youth Leadership Alliance of Pine Ridge Reservation received $100,000 through a grant to its fiscal sponsor, Native Americans in Philanthropy, to assist in launching a leadership development and advocacy program for Native American college students in South Dakota, Washington and Montana.

The Foundation also supports efforts to improve public policy that affects low-income families. For a description of all the grants, visit www.nwaf.org.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in eight states to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, served these states. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals only on an invitation basis. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards Grants for Latino Community Farming, Growing Green Businesses, Asset-Building and Leadership Development

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (December 7, 2010) Efforts to overcome poverty are taking a decidedly green turn, supported by Northwest Area Foundation grants. The Foundation has announced four grants totaling $375,800 for reducing poverty and building prosperity among low-income Latino families. They are among $1.79 million in awards the Foundation approved this quarter. Funded initiatives span farm fields in southern Minnesota to green jobs initiatives in Idaho.

The largest investment will fund training for low-income business owners, a key component to building assets and wealth. A $140,800 grant to the Main Street Project of Minneapolis, Minn. will bolster the Rural Enterprise Center Agripreneur Training Program. This innovative way of creating prosperity offers Latinos culturally-relevant training in small-scale farming. Families expand their enterprises through access to community garden plots for growing vegetables and land for raising poultry.

Nearly 2,000 miles away in Boise, Idaho, a $125,000 grant to the Mountain States Group and its microenterprise program, META, will support the Growing Green Business Initiative. The award will provide green jobs training and for low-income refugees and Latinos. Those who want to start or expand a green business will be able to tap into a small revolving loan fund to finance their ventures.

“Finding a job or starting a business is challenging in any economy. It can be especially difficult for Latino families who are trying to integrate their background and skills in a new culture. These grants will leverage new opportunities by creating jobs in promising new industries,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of the Foundation.

The Foundation awarded $60,000 to Hacienda Community Development Corporation of Portland, Ore. to combine asset building with community development. The grant will provide disadvantaged Latinos access to small business loans, financial education, leadership development, and GED classes through the Plaza Comunitaria adult education program.

The Foundation made a grant of $50,000 to the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation for $50,000 for the CAPACES Leadership Institute. CAPACES is a unique partnership between nine nonprofit organizations that provides leadership training across a diverse sector of Latinos. The grant will help support a new Latino-based leadership curriculum and a building in which the Institute will be housed.

The Foundation also supports efforts to improve public policy to benefit people with low incomes. Visit www.nwaf.org for a description on all the grants.

Grants for Community Farming, Green Businesses, Financial Education, Leadership and Public Policy

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (November 4, 2010) Efforts to overcome poverty are taking a decidedly green turn, supported by Northwest Area Foundation grants. The Foundation has announced 35 grants totaling $1.79 million. Funded initiatives span farm fields in southern Minnesota to green jobs training in Oregon.

The largest investment will support training for low-income entrepreneurs, a key approach for building assets and wealth. The Foundation’s $140,800 grant to the Main Street Project of Minneapolis, Minn. will bolster the Rural Enterprise Center Agripreneur Training Program. An innovative way of creating prosperity, it offers Latinos culturally-relevant training in a system of small-scale sustainable farming. Families increase assets through access to community garden plots for growing vegetables and to land for raising poultry.

Nearly 2,000 miles away in Portland, Ore., a $125,000 grant to the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) focuses on developing green jobs and small businesses. NAYA will form partnerships to establish career development services and a job training center for green energy opportunities. A new Family Center Marketplace will offer small entrepreneurs a place to test business plans before launching their ventures.

“These grants will leverage new opportunities by creating jobs in industry, including green opportunities. We’re supporting projects designed to open avenues for low-income workers to get in on the ground floor and take advantage of emerging industries and new careers,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Besides increasing assets and wealth, the Foundation supports building leadership and improving public policy. The following are highlights of the grants made.

To implement workforce development and small business strategies - $640,800 was awarded to five nonprofits:

Main Street Project of Minneapolis, Minn. received $140,800 for the Rural Enterprise Center Rural Agripreneur Training Program.
Mountain States Group of Boise, Idaho and its microenterprise program, META, received $125,000 for the Growing Green Businesses project to offer assistance, training, and small loans to low-income green entrepreneurs, with a focus on refugees and Latinos in southwest Idaho.
Montana Community Development Corporation of Missoula, Mont. received $125,000 to expand job creation and economic development in eastern Montana and on five Native American
reservations.
Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) of Portland, Ore. received $125,000 to support the Green Job Training & Small Business Development project.
Enterprise Cascadia of Ilwaco, Wash. received $125,000 to support a lending pool to assist women, minority, and low-income contractors in bidding for weatherization jobs and contracts through the Seattle Community Power Works project.

To combine asset-building and economic development - $332,853 was awarded to five nonprofits:

Four Bands Community Fund of Eagle Butte, S.D. received $100,000 to integrate the Making Waves youth financial training within the curriculum of Tribal schools.
Hacienda Community Development Corporation of Portland, Ore. received $60,000 to provide Latinos access to small business loans, financial education, leadership development, and completion of GED classes through the Plaza Comunitaria adult education program.
Washington State Microenterprise Association of Federal Way, Wash. received $72,853 to link asset and wealth development tools, including low-income tax credits and individual savings accounts, with small business training and assistance.
First Children’s Finance of Minneapolis, Minn. received $100,000 to strengthen childcare businesses and the quality of childcare in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa to benefit low- and moderate-income workers.
Oregon Native American Business & Entrepreneurial Network (ONABEN) of Tigard, Ore. received $100,000 to continue its work increasing family assets, the Indian Entrepreneurship Development System, and partnerships to create new sources of Native capital.

To build leadership for reducing poverty - $150,000 has been allocated to the following organizations:

Native Youth Leadership Alliance of Pine Ridge Reservation received $100,000 through a grant to its fiscal sponsor, Native Americans in Philanthropy, to assist in launching a leadership development and advocacy program for Native American college students in South Dakota, Washington and Montana.
Farmworkers Housing Development Corporation of Woodburn, Ore. received $50,000 to support the CAPACES Leadership Institute capital campaign. The money will be used to develop curriculum and construct a building to house the Institute. This unique partnership between nine nonprofit organizations provides leadership training across a diverse sector of Latinos.

To improve public policy solutions - $50,000 was awarded to one organization:

The Statewide Poverty Action Network of Seattle, Wash. received $50,000 through its fiscal sponsor, Solid Ground. The grant will support the Grassroots Activism and Advocacy project to establish and train statewide coalitions. They will advocate for policies that increase assets and wealth for people with low incomes.

To increase impact on poverty reduction - $125,000 has been allocated to two nonprofit organizations:

Headwaters Foundation for Justice of Minneapolis, Minn. received $75,000 for the African American Leadership Forum to address critical challenges facing the Twin Cities African American community.
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees of Sebastopol, Calif. received $50,000 to engage Foundations within the Northwest region in conversations about economic integration of immigrant families.

For a complete list of the grants included in this announcement, visit www.nwaf.org.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals only on an invitation basis. For more information, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Staff Members

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Staff Members
ST. PAUL, Minn. (October 2010) - The Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of new staff members in the Programs and Finance and Administration departments. Deborah Peterson joined as managers of grants and contracts. Ontay Johnson will be a special assistant in Programs through a mentorship with the National Urban Fellows (NUF). NUF is an organization aimed at increasing the number of women and minorities in leadership positions.

Deborah Peterson will have oversight and accountability for the grants and contracts process, ensuring that all grants and payments meet internal standards and legal compliance requirements. Ms. Peterson brings many years of experience in negotiating and overseeing contracts with vendors at 3M. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and German from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University and a mini MBA in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of St. Thomas.

Ontay Johnson will assist with planning for the African American Leadership Forum, writing and reviewing grants, creating databases, and forming evaluation models. Prior to being named a National Urban Fellow, Johnson was chief of staff for Michigan State Representative Carl Williams (D) Saginaw. He was also appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve as community resource manager for the Michigan Department of Corrections. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Northwood University.

“We are very excited to welcome Deborah and Ontay to the Northwest Area Foundation. They are both very accomplished professionals whose skills will complement those we already have on staff. We look forward to their contributions,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Staff Members

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:15:04 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (October 2010) - The Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of new staff members in the Programs and Finance and Administration departments. Deborah Peterson joined as managers of grants and contracts. Ontay Johnson will be a special assistant in Programs through a mentorship with the National Urban Fellows (NUF). NUF is an organization aimed at increasing the number of women and minorities in leadership positions.

Deborah Peterson will have oversight and accountability for the grants and contracts process, ensuring that all grants and payments meet internal standards and legal compliance requirements. Ms. Peterson brings many years of experience in negotiating and overseeing contracts with vendors at 3M. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and German from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University and a mini MBA in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of St. Thomas.

Ontay Johnson will assist with planning for the African American Leadership Forum, writing and reviewing grants, creating databases and forming evaluation models. Prior to being named a National Urban Fellow, Johnson was chief of staff for Michigan State Representative Carl Williams (D) Saginaw. He was also appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve as community resource manager for the Michigan Department of Corrections. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Northwood University.

“We are very excited to welcome Deborah and Ontay to the Northwest Area Foundation. They are both very accomplished professionals whose skills will complement those we already have on staff. We look forward to their contributions,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Staff Members

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:22:00 CST

Deborah Peterson will have oversight and accountability for the grants and contracts process, ensuring that all grants and payments meet internal standards and legal compliance requirements. Ms. Peterson brings many years of experience in negotiating and overseeing contracts with vendors at 3M. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and German from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University and a mini MBA in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of St. Thomas.

Ontay Johnson will assist with planning for the African American Leadership Forum, writing and reviewing grants, creating databases and forming evaluation models. Prior to being named a National Urban Fellow, Johnson was chief of staff for Michigan State Representative Carl Williams (D) Saginaw. He was also appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve as community resource manager for the Michigan Department of Corrections. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Northwood University.

“We are very excited to welcome Deborah and Ontay to the Northwest Area Foundation. They are both very accomplished professionals whose skills will complement those we already have on staff. We look forward to their contributions,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $1.9 Million to Prosperity-Building Work

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Grants will boost poverty reduction strategies guided by seven state universities
ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 26, 2010) The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded grants totaling $1.9 million to seven state universities to expand work of Horizons – an 18-month leadership development program for rural towns with populations of 5,000 or fewer and with poverty rates of at least 10 percent. These grants will bolster poverty-reduction work within 260 communities in seven states that have completed Horizons. The funds will support work such as financial literacy education for youth and adults, business training, leadership development, public policy engagement and building awareness and use of tax credits for low-income families. Grant dollars will also be used to further community action plans, leverage public and private funding and to identify resources communities can tap into to sustain their work. The universities’ extension services will provide coaching, training, and resources.

“Horizons has been a powerful call to action for people passionate about making change in their rural communities. We want to build on the momentum that nearly 300 towns have generated in just a year-and-a-half. These funds will help move their ideas to the next level of impact,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

Grants were made to the following intermediary organizations:

Regents of the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho - $200,000 will fund asset- and wealth-building strategies in 34 communities. Activities include financial literacy education for youth and adults, small business training, tax clinics, grant-seeking workshops and networking at a statewide rural conference.

Regents of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis - $200,000 was awarded to increase understanding of financial management, leadership, public speaking and public policy skills in 25 communities and to increase understanding of poverty among University graduate students.

Washington State University, Spokane, Washington - $300,000 was awarded to build partnerships in 40 communities that will increase leadership and effectiveness, expand asset- and wealth- creation programs, and build expertise in public policy work. Funding will provide intensive trainings in asset- and wealth-building strategies, such as savings accounts and tax credits for low income people, microenterprise development, affordable housing and transportation.

Iowa State University Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa - $300,000[1] was awarded to provide continued coaching, assistance and resources to the Horizons Steering Committees, the groups that guide Horizons in 35 communities. Funding will support asset- and wealth-creation opportunities, tax preparation training, and financial management training. Statewide convenings on financial literacy issues, leadership and public policy will promote civic engagement.

Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana - $300,000 was awarded to promote financial education, business training, leadership development and civic engagement in 35 communities.

North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota - $300,000 was awarded to support work in 42 communities such as youth and family financial literacy trainings, regional microenterprise trainings and strategies to promote community gardens and farmers markets.

South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota - $300,000 was awarded to fund advanced education and technical trainings in 36 communities within four key areas: entrepreneurship, development of local food systems, family financial management, business training and mentorships, and leadership training.

All 260 communities will convene for monthly webinars with their counterparts across the seven states to build connections, develop awareness of others’ work, learn about potential collaborative efforts and increase knowledge about successful asset- and wealth-building strategies. They will gather periodically within their own states for networking and information sharing.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

[1] $76,000 of this grant is from the Northwest Area Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Board Members

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn., (July 16, 2010) - Darrell Robes Kipp of Browning, Mont. and Mary Jean Ryan of Seattle, Wash. were elected to the Northwest Area Foundation Board of Directors during the Board’s regularly scheduled July 2010 annual meeting. Each begins a three-year term.

Kipp is co-founder of the Piegan Institute, which is dedicated to researching, promoting and preserving Native languages. A member of the Blackfeet Tribe, Kipp designed programs at the Nizipuhwasin (Real Speak) Center, an internationally-known Blackfeet language immersion school. He began his education in a one-room school house on the Blackfeet Reservation, later graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University – Billings and master’s degrees from Vermont College of Fine Arts and Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Kipp, a Vietnam-era veteran, is a former teacher and former community action program administrator.

Ryan has nearly 25 years of experience in public policy, economic development and education. She currently serves as director for the Community Center for Education Results, which works to improve student achievement – especially in economically disadvantaged areas of the Seattle Metro area. Ryan also is a member of the Washington State Board of Education. Previously she worked as the associate deputy administrator for economic development for the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Clinton Administration and as director in the City of Seattle’s Office of Policy and Management. Ryan has a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree from University of Southern California.

“Darrell and Mary Jean bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Board of Directors. Their personal paths are fascinating and their professional achievements are remarkable. They are well versed in many of the strategies that are critical to our work in reducing poverty and building prosperity,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

The Northwest Area Foundation board of directors consists of 14 representatives from throughout the Foundation’s eight-state region. Others serving on the board are: Chair Dorothy Bridges of Minneapolis; Vice Chair Father Kevin McDonough of St. Paul, Minn.; Terrence Glarner, Louis F. Hill, and Linda Hoeschler also of St. Paul, Minn.; Rodney Jordan of Plymouth, Minn.; Nicholas Slade of Minneapolis, Minn.; Elsie Meeks of Rapid City, S.D.; Natalie Camacho Mendoza of Boise, Idaho; Sally Pederson of Des Moines, Iowa; William Thorndike, Jr. of Medford, Ore.; and Sarah Vogel of Bismarck, N.D. Directors McDonough, Jordan, Glarner and Slade also serve as trustees of the Foundation.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the foundation. To learn more, visit www.nwaf.org.

Northwest Area Foundation Awards $1.59 Million to Engage Public Policy and to Support Community Action Plans

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (June 1, 2010) The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded eight grants totaling $1.59 million to reduce poverty and build prosperity among people with low incomes. The grants will support community action plans to reduce poverty and move toward prosperity in 99 small towns located in seven states within the Foundation’s region. The money will also further efforts to improve public policy that impacts people with low incomes.

Northwest Area Foundation approved the following grants for building capacity and leadership:

Seven grants totaling $841,500 were awarded to community foundations to support grants for small towns that have completed the Horizons III leadership program:

Minnesota Community Foundation - $102,000
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines - $119,000
*This is a donor-advised fund grant from the Northwest Area Fund
North Dakota Community Foundation - $127,500
South Dakota Community Foundation - $110,500
Montana Community Foundation - $127,500
Idaho Community Foundation -$127,500
Washington State 4-H Foundation - $127,500

The community foundations will direct the money to 99 small towns in seven states to implement community plans developed in the 18-month Horizons III program. Universities that Northwest Area Foundation works with in each of the seven states coach the communities and assist with action plans that call for services which help low income people thrive, such as daycare, affordable housing, transportation, adult education, job training, youth services, tourism or local farmers markets. Horizons is a leadership development program aimed at reducing poverty in towns with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Each community that completes Horizons receives a $10,000 grant.

Northwest Area Foundation made one grant to improve public policy solutions:

$750,000 was awarded to The Seattle Foundation of Seattle to support Strategies to Eliminate Poverty (STEP). Through this grant, STEP will provide funding to nonprofits working on public policy solutions to reduce poverty across the Foundation’s eight-state region. This grant will help strengthen and expand State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI) affiliates, which work for responsible tax and budget policies for low income people. This award will fund efforts to include immigrants, tribes, people of color, and faith-based groups in statewide poverty reduction policy efforts.

“We are confident that grants to these proven organizations will make an impact on efforts to help low income families that are struggling to get ahead. Public policy is one of our nation’s most effective tools to get to the root of poverty and increase prosperity. Building leadership equips people with the tools to make deep and lasting change that will transform the direction of struggling communities,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

Northwest Area Foundation also makes grants to further asset- and wealth-building. The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals by invitation only. For more information about the Foundation’s grantmaking approach and the work of grantees across its eight-state region, please visit www.nwaf.org.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $465,000 for New Jobs, Workforce Training and Strategies that Promote Economic Stability

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 16, 2010) The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded 10 grants totaling $465,000 to further asset and wealth creation, build capacity and leadership and improve public policy to benefit people with low incomes.

“These grants address many of the issues that are critical to building assets and wealth, such as jobs creation, workforce development, affordable homeownership and financial literacy. Combining that with awards to improve public policy and build capacity and leadership is the most effective way we can make a mark on moving people from poverty to prosperity,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

Four grants totaling $145,000 were awarded to nonprofit organizations to support asset and wealth creation strategies:

Framing Our Community of Elk City, Idaho received $75,000 to expand small business training and to support a regional network that provides workforce training and economic development opportunities for displaced and low- and moderate-income workers in rural north central Idaho and within the Nez Perce Tribe.
South Dakota Community Foundation of Pierre, South Dakota and Native Americans in Philanthropy of Minneapolis received $10,000 each to support emergency disaster relief for Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. These awards are provided as matching funds solicit donations to aid recovery from a winter ice storm on the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation.
Stairstep Foundation of Minneapolis, received $50,000 for economic development initiatives for people with low incomes in North Minneapolis. This grant will support public policy advocacy, affordable home ownership opportunities, job creation, financial literacy education, and neighborhood revitalization.

Two grants totaling $120,000 were awarded for strategies that build capacity and leadership among communities and organizations:

The Center for Community Change of Washington D.C. received $100,000 for community organizing in Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon. The Center for Community Change will assist low-income people in creating local leadership networks that can tap into national networks which assist in shaping state and federal policy on jobs, wealth creation and asset building. The grant will provide small sub-grants to organizations for participation in community organizing and to fund Democracy School trainings.
Center for Communication and Development of Minneapolis received $20,000 to expand programming of KMOJ radio that will benefit people with low incomes. This grant will support two weekly asset- and wealth-creation radio programs over a year’s time, assist with the development of a business plan for KMOJ.

Two grants totaling $125,000 were awarded for improved public policy solutions for people with low incomes:

Demos of New York, received $75,000 for the Public Works project. This grant will fund training for Northwest Area Foundation grantees to increase their understanding of how to effectively make the case for the essential public structures necessary to reduce poverty and build prosperity. Trainings will focus on strengthening coalitions, shaping communications and advocacy to build understanding of and support for the role of government in achieving these goals.
The Ohio State University Foundation and Kirwin Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity of Columbus, Ohio received $50,000 to develop opportunity maps for Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. This grant will raise awareness to the structural and community barriers impacting marginalized communities. This work will be done using GIS mapping, which will identify patterns of access and opportunities.

Two grants totaling $75,000 were awarded to advance the work of other funders to increase economic opportunities or to leverage public policy:

The Minneapolis Foundation of Minneapolis, received $50,000 to support a statewide immigrant funders collaborative. This initiative will focus on advocacy and integration of immigrants in Minnesota. The collaborative is expected to attract additional local and national funding, which will be re-granted to Minnesota organizations and coalitions working on immigrant integration.
The Saint Paul Foundation of St. Paul received $25,000 for the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. This grant will support forums on issues affecting low income communities located along the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit that is planned between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Forums will address business resources, affordable housing, workforce and economic development and job access.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $175,000 to Latino Asset and Wealth Building Efforts

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

Grants aimed at leveraging additional dollars for greater impact on poverty reduction
ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 16, 2010) - The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded two grants totaling $175,000 to promote financial literacy and small business development for Latinos in Minnesota and Idaho, particularly in rural areas where access to credit is limited. The grants to two Latino-led organizations are designed to attract additional outside funding for a greater impact on building assets and wealth, a key element in moving from poverty to prosperity.

“Latinos immigrants living and working in our region often have to work very hard to overcome language and cultural barriers in order to integrate their skills in the job market. That can make it hard to access the training and credit they need to start or establish a business. It’s even more difficult when they live in rural areas that are disconnected from mainstream financial institutions,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation. “These grants are designed to provide low-income Latinos with access to capital and training that will build sustainable prosperity.”

The Northwest Area Foundation board of directors approved the two grants at its February 2010 meeting.

Latino Economic Development Center, Minneapolis, Minn. - $100,000
Based in Minneapolis, the Latino Economic Development Center is a community economic development organization that works with Latinos and immigrants in Minneapolis/St. Paul and in rural Minnesota.

Grant funding will strengthen bilingual training and business support services and increase access to credit for low-income Latinos and immigrants in Minnesota. The award will support additional capital for start-up businesses throughout the state, financial education classes and will attract outside investments to potentially expand the Latino Small Business Loan Fund.

Partners for Prosperity Eastern Idaho, fiscal sponsor for Latino Economic and Development (LEAD) Center, Blackfoot, Idaho - $75,000
Based in Blackfoot, Idaho, LEAD works with a growing Latino and immigrant community in rural Idaho. LEAD was created with the help of its fiscal sponsor, Partners for Prosperity New Beginnings for Eastern Idaho Inc., in response to challenges the Latino community had in accessing services from mainstream financial institutions.

This 15-month program will strengthen LEAD’s ability to provide financial education to low income Latino and immigrant families, provide training and assistance to start-up businesses, improve access to credit, expand partnerships that will increase micro loans to Latino small businesses, and develop networking opportunities.

These two grants are part of approximately $1,000,000 the Foundation has invested over the past two years in efforts to reduce and build prosperity within urban- and rural-Latino communities in eight states. In addition to building assets and wealth, Northwest Area Foundation grants support efforts to build capacity and leadership and improve public policy solutions to help people with low-incomes attain thriving, self-sustaining lives.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals only on an invitation basis. For more information about the Foundation’s grantmaking approach and the work of grantees across its eight-state region, please visit www.nwaf.org.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

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New Staff Members Join Northwest Area Foundation

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Staff Members
ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 4, 2010) - The Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of new staff members in the Programs and Finance and Administration departments. Scott Kirby is the new manager of investments. Leah Doerr joined the Foundation as an associate program officer.

Scott Kirby will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Foundation’s investment strategy, working directly with its consultants and money managers and providing expertise in research and portfolio management. During his twenty-year career in the financial markets, Kirby specialized in fixed income investments. He previously served as vice president and lead portfolio manager of structured products at Ameriprise Financial/RiverSource Investments, where he was responsible for $20 billion in fixed income investments. Kirby has Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

“We are very happy to have someone with Scott’s experience, particularly at a time when the markets are so volatile and when fiscal responsibilities have increased dramatically,” said Millie Acamovic, vice president of finance and administration and Chief Financial Officer of Northwest Area Foundation.

Leah Doerr will be responsible for providing support for grants applications and administration. Doerr previously worked as a project associate with Fieldstone Alliance implementing the Kellogg Action Lab, a project that strengthened the operations of nonprofit organizations that were grantees of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Doerr has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

“Scott and Leah bring important skills and perspective to a staff highly committed to reducing poverty and building prosperity within our eight-state region. We look forward to the energies and experience they’ll bring to our work,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $665,000 to Prosperity-Building Efforts

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

Grants aimed at helping low-income people build assets
ST. PAUL, Minn. (February 25, 2010) - The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded six grants designed to attract additional funding for an ambitious goal: helping people build the assets and wealth needed to get out – and stay out – of poverty.

“The recent recession has hit communities hard all across the Northwest area, but its impact has been especially harsh for those who were already struggling to make ends meet,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of the Foundation. “This set of grants is designed to support vital asset-building work in urban and rural places, and to leverage support from other sources. Even in these tough times, I believe we can have an impact if funders are willing to combine resources behind organizations with track records of success or emerging initiatives with real promise.”

A total of $665,000 was awarded to six organizations that have demonstrated their ability to leverage investments made in their work. Attracting such outside investments increases opportunities for impact as the grantees work to create jobs, encourage savings and increase access to credit: key to moving families from poverty to prosperity.

City of St. Paul, Minn. - $75,000 was awarded for a nine-month pilot program, Employment Opportunities in Energy Conservation and Deconstruction. This workforce development program is designed to train low income bilingual and bicultural workers for green industry job opportunities in energy conservation and deconstruction – which is recycling rather than demolishing building materials. The jobs will offer training, mentoring and starting wages of up to $17 per hour. The pilot program’s success is projected to trigger up to $2.5 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and federal housing block grants to train additional unemployed or underemployed workers for jobs in the green energy field. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the city of St. Paul, Neighborhood Energy Connection, Better Futures Enterprises and the Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

Iowa Credit Union Foundation, Inc. (ICUF), Des Moines, Iowa - $165,000 was awarded for ICUF’s Credit Union Family Partnership Individual Development Accounts Program. This award will expand the number of Iowa credit unions offering financial education and savings accounts for families with low incomes, including credit unions that serve Latino communities. This grant has the potential to spur additional federal and state funding to match family savings that can be used for education, to buy a home or start a business.

Rural Dynamics, Inc., Great Falls, Mont. - $150,000 was awarded for the Assets for Montana project. Grant dollars will help families in poverty by promoting family savings accounts, the use of tax credits for people with low incomes, financial education, expanding a website that identifies benefits for families working their way toward prosperity and by developing a network of nonprofit organizations focused on the work of asset and wealth building. The award will trigger additional state and federal funding that can be used to match savings for families trying to pay for education, buy a home or start a business.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Washington, D.C. - $100,000 was awarded for the Rural LISC Initiative. Through the national LISC organization, rural community development corporations (CDCs) within the Foundation’s region will be able to tap into LISC’s national network of training, best practices, and funding in order to better address workforce development, financial services for the rural poor and the creation of healthy/green housing and economic development. The affiliation with LISC has the potential to leverage additional state and federal dollars for poverty reduction and prosperity building.

Latino Economic Development Center, Minneapolis, Minn. - $100,000 was awarded for the Building Latino Financial Capacity initiative. Grant funding will strengthen bilingual training and business support services and increase access to capital for low income Latinos and immigrants in Minnesota. The award will support additional capital for start-up businesses, increase financial education classes and attract outside investments to potentially expand the Latino Small Business Loan Fund.

Partners for Prosperity New Beginnings for Eastern Idaho, fiscal sponsor for Latino Economic and Development (LEAD) Center, Blackfoot, Idaho - $75,000 for the LEAD Organizational and Capacity Development initiative.

This 15-month program will strengthen the LEAD’s ability to provide financial education to low income Latino and immigrant families, provide training and assistance to start-up businesses, improve access to credit, expand partnerships that will increase micro loans to Latino small businesses and develop networking opportunities.

In addition to building assets and wealth, Northwest Area Foundation grants support efforts to build capacity and leadership and improve public policy solutions to help people with low-incomes attain thriving, self-sustaining lives.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals by invitation only. For more information about the Foundation’s grantmaking approach and the work of grantees across its eight-state region, please visit www.nwaf.org.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

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Cheyenne River Reservation in a State of Emergency after Devastating Ice Storm

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation authorizes $50,000 for recovery
ST. PAUL, Minn. (February 3, 2010) The Cheyenne River Reservation in north central South Dakota remains under a state of emergency after a winter ice storm decimated the reservation’s utility system. Although water and electricity are slowly being restored, some remote communities are in their second week without these basic needs, and what limited supply of water is available must be boiled to avoid contamination. This is one of the greatest natural disasters ever to hit the reservation, which has a poverty rate approaching 50 percent. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman Joseph Brings Plenty has issued a plea for donations of heating oil, propane, kerosene heaters, generators, non-perishable food and bottled water.

“I would not ask for assistance unless I was confident we are doing all we can,” Chairman Brings Plenty said in a statement. “I know there are hard economic times across the country and those who are able continue to respond with prayers, money and muscle to help our neighbors in Haiti. I find myself in the humble position of appealing for your support in our time of emergency.”

The tribe has established emergency shelters and has made medical provisions for tribal members who are on dialysis. Yet, there are an estimated 9,000 tribal members and non-Indian residents on the reservation who are suffering. Brings Plenty said there will be an ongoing need for home repairs as a result of the storm.

“Many on the Cheyenne River Reservation are living without heat, electricity or water in the bitter cold of the South Dakota winter” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation. “They are our friends, our neighbors, our partners, and we must respond. Much of the nation’s attention is focused on the tragedy in Haiti, and rightly so. But the crisis at Cheyenne River is a significant natural disaster closer to home. We have a responsibility to work with other funders to ensure relief supplies are available to address this emergency.”

Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) has offered grants of $10,000 each to Native Americans in Philanthropy and the South Dakota Community Foundation. These grants are intended to trigger other funds including matching grants from the Bush Foundation designated for the Cheyenne River Reservation. The money will pay for food, water, relocation and heating fuel.

“We applaud the decisive action our friends at the Bush Foundation have taken,” Walker said. “Our grants are designed to rapidly increase the response-and-recovery funding available to Chairman Brings Plenty and his government.”

Northwest Area Foundation has also authorized the use of $30,000 for disaster relief from an account of existing grant dollars to the Cheyenne Sioux Tribe.

Since 2004, Northwest Area Foundation has worked closely with the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation in its efforts to overcome poverty and build sustainable prosperity on the reservation. The Foundation has invested nearly $6 million dollars in the Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures initiative, which is part of more than $60 million the Foundation has invested in rural and urban Native communities over the past 20 years.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation. To learn more, visit www.nwaf.org.

To learn about the needs: Cheyenne River Sioux Disaster Facebook page and Facebook Causes

How you can donate

More about the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Grassroots and Groundwork Conference to Highlight Successful Poverty Reduction Strategies; Registration Opens

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

Marian Wright Edelman, Paul Saginaw keynote the national conference on poverty reduction
ST. PAUL, Minn. (February 1, 2010) Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund, and Paul Saginaw, a nationally recognized advocate for socially responsible businesses and co-founder of the internationally known Zingerman’s Delicatessen, will deliver keynote addresses at Grassroots & Groundwork: Seizing Opportunities to Reduce Poverty and Build Community Prosperity held May 13-14, 2010 in Portland, Ore. This year’s conference will feature 20 different break-out sessions on new and emerging models of workforce development, jobs creation, asset and wealth building programs, public policy advocacy, and building capacity and leadership. Participants can also register for one of two half-day Community Builder Institute workshops: “Public Works”: Tools for Shaping Public Opinion, and Advancing Public Policy Solutions, and High-Impact Communications to Advance Social Change.

Online registration with special-early bird rates is now open for this national conference on reducing poverty and building prosperity.

“Past attendees have told us that they valued the new ideas, practical tools, and network contacts they experienced. We hope that holding this year’s conference in the Pacific Northwest will enable more people in western states to attend than ever before,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation, sponsor of Grassroots & Groundwork.

Drawing on suggestions from past conference goers, Grassroots & Groundwork 2010 will include expanded networking opportunities. Also new this year are site visits to effective poverty reduction models such as green initiatives, health care programs and initiatives working to overcome homelessness. Space on the site visits is limited, so be sure to register early.

For more information on the conference and registration, visit www.grassrootsandgroundwork.org. To hear to what attendees have had to say about Grassroots & Groundwork, listen to our podcast, from the 2008 conference.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $300,000 to Latino Asset-Building Effort

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (December 21, 2009) The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded $300,000 to the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) of San Antonio, Texas, to fund a asset-building collaborative that will make grants to community-development and asset-building organizations serving low-income Latino communities. The award will focus on Latino asset and wealth building efforts in the Foundation's eight-state region, which consists of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Grant dollars will also fund professional development opportunities, including a fellowship program for practitioners.

“We believe it’s important to provide culturally-relevant training that will increase access to capital, strengthen peer networks, and develop leaders in the Latino asset-building and community development field,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation. “The goal is to build stronger and more effective Latino-led organizations that increase prosperity in low-income communities.”

The grant will allow NALCAB and its partners to offer training in resource development, federal grant writing, organizational leadership and board and staff development. NALCAB will provide $95,000 in small sub-grants to community-development and asset-building organizations within the eight-state region for strengthening organization capabilities.

"We seek to strengthen the regional non-profit infrastructure that can deliver culturally and linguistically relevant asset-building services to the fast-growing Latino population in the Northwest," said Noel Poyo, executive director of NALCAB.

NALCAB is the national voice for Latino-led community development corporations and community-based organizations that focus on asset building. Its mission is to build financial and human assets as well as real estate and technology resources in Latino families, communities and organizations.

This award is among the first set of grants made under the Foundation’s new strategic plan approved in October 2008. It will further asset and wealth building strategies, one of three outcomes critical to the Foundation’s mission of reducing poverty and building prosperity in its region.

Northwest Area Foundation awarded a total of 14 grants worth $2.04 million to nationally-known and ethnically- diverse organizations that support community-based practitioners who focus on asset building projects and on supporting efforts that help individuals and families build their financial and human assets. Grants were also awarded for efforts that strengthen capacity and leadership and improve public policy solutions to reduce poverty and build prosperity.

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Northwest Area Foundation Announces New Staff Members

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (December 10, 2009) The Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new members of its Program staff and one new member of its Information Technology department. Joanna Ramirez Barrett, Ph.D., has joined the Foundation as the evaluation and analysis program officer; Martin Jennings as program officer; Siiri Gilness as program assistant and David Hoffman as PC/LAN administrator.

“We are very excited to welcome Joanna, Martin, Siiri and David to the staff,” said Kevin F. Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation. “They bring skills and knowledge that will increase our understanding of the needs and opportunities within our region. They join a staff committed to learning and applying our resources toward long-term poverty reduction and prosperity building.”

Joanna Ramirez Barrett, Ph.D., will coordinate all program-related evaluation work as well as manage the Foundation’s research grant portfolio and related activities. She joins the Foundation from Northpoint Health and Wellness Center in North Minneapolis where she led the Innovation Group. Previously she was the research and evaluation director for the Council on Crime and Justice and has worked as an assistant scientist for the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Texas –Austin.

Martin Jennings will have responsibility for grantmaking, including identifying prospective grantees, soliciting and reviewing proposals and facilitating working partnerships with other foundations. Mr. Jennings comes to the Foundation with over 20 years experience in the fields of community and economic development. He has worked extensively with tribal governments, small communities and nonprofit organizations in rural Minnesota. He most recently worked for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in developing and administering a variety of economic and community programs and businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University.

Siiri Gilness will provide administrative support to the Programs department. Ms. Gilness joins the Foundation from the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund in Virginia, MN, where she was the marketing & communications assistant. She has bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin - Superior.

David Hoffman will handle desktop support and network technology needs. Hoffman joins the Foundation from Treasure Island Resort & Casino where he was the network administrator and security analyst. Hoffman previously was the systems administrator at the Cyber Village Academy in St. Paul. He has his PC/LAN Certificate from Brown Institute.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $500,000 to Native American Prosperity Building Efforts

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (December 10,2009) The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded three grants totaling $500,000 to Native American-led organizations with proven track records of success in approaches that build prosperity in urban and reservation communities. These awards are among the first set of grants, totaling $2.04 million, made under the Foundation’s new strategic plan approved by the board of directors in October 2008.

“Native Americans have experienced some of the highest poverty rates in the nation and have been deprived of resources to overcome barriers to prosperity. We believe that programs designed to build financial and human assets offer the best opportunity to thrive. These grants represent the deepening of our longstanding commitment to the Native American community,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

The awards will further asset- and wealth-building strategies, one of three outcomes critical to the Foundation’s mission of reducing poverty and building prosperity in its eight-state region:

Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network (ONABEN) of Tigard, Ore., was awarded $200,000 to provide technical assistance for reservation- or urban-based Native American economic development projects and support for small business development, including implementing the “Indianpreneurship” business development manual. ONABEN seeks to create a better quality of life for Native Americans by promoting ownership and management of successful businesses.
First Nations Oweesta of Rapid City, S.D., was awarded $200,000 to provide assistance to Native Community Development Financial Institutions in establishing Individual Development Accounts, financial education, loans, and to promote the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit. First Nations Oweesta’s work is focused on developing Native assets and building strong Native communities.
First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colo., was awarded $100,000 to create the Native Asset-Building Partnership Project and a peer mentorship program between tribes.
First Nations works to strengthen American Indian economies by investing in economic development and asset control strategies.

These were among 14 grants approved in October to nationally-known and ethnically-diverse organizations that support community-based practitioners who focus on asset-building projects and which support efforts that help individuals and families build their financial and human assets. Grants were also awarded for efforts strengthening capacity and leadership and improving public policy solutions.

Over the past 20 years, the Northwest Area Foundation directed more than $60 million to support programs focused on reducing poverty and building prosperity in reservation and urban Native American communities within its eight-state region. Philanthropy Northwest “Trends in Northwest Giving 2008” reports that the Foundation contributed one-third of all grant dollars to Native communities between the years of 2004 and 2006 in Alaska, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals only on an invitation basis. For more information about the Foundation’s grantmaking approach and the work of grantees across its eight-state region, please visit www.nwaf.org.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son Louis W. Hill established the Northwest Area Foundation.

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Northwest Area Foundation Awards $2.04 Million to Prosperity Building Efforts

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

Grants will support proven approaches that build assets and wealth, strengthen capacity and leadership and improve public policy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (November 19, 2009) The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded 14 grants totaling $2.04 million to nationally-known and ethnically-diverse organizations with proven track records of success offering approaches that reduce poverty by building prosperity across its eight-state region. This is the first set of grants made under the Foundation’s new strategic plan approved by the board of directors in October 2008.

“We believe the best way to reduce poverty is to ensure fair access to meaningful opportunity,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “That change begins with making sure people can build their financial assets, but it also means building on the human potential that resides in every low-income community. These grants support a diverse array of outstanding organizations that are hard at work unlocking that potential.”

The awards will further one or more of three outcomes critical to the Foundation’s mission:

Asset and wealth building - $1.565 million was awarded to nationally recognized nonprofits that can support organizations that integrate economic development with asset- and wealth-building practices and expand regional partnerships for workforce development, small business strategies and green jobs development across the Foundation’s eight-state region.

$1.265 million was granted to a cluster of intermediary organizations that provide local community organizations with technical assistance, training, networking, leadership, and support for small grants. Grants include:
- CFED of Washington D.C. - $365,000
- National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders of San Antonio, Texas - $300,000
- Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network of Tigard, Ore. - $200,000
- First Nations Oweesta of Rapid City, S.D. - $200,000
- First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colo.- $100,000
- Seattle Economic Development Association of Seattle, Wash., fiscal sponsor of Express Advantage - $100,000
$300,000 will support partnerships among workforce and small business development initiatives in Minneapolis. Grants were awarded to Emerge Community Development and Summit Academy OIC, for training in the new green jobs industry and to increase access to jobs created through federal stimulus dollars. A grant to the Neighborhood Development Center will provide training, technical assistance and micro lending for start-up and expanding micro businesses.

Improving public policy solutions - $375,000 was awarded to the following organizations:

Northwest Federation of Community Organizations of Seattle, Wash., - $100,000, to conduct research and increase civic engagement of low-income, immigrants and communities of color by training and engaging leaders who will build coalitions to address public policy issues that impact poverty reduction and prosperity building initiatives.
$275,000 was awarded to assist in the expansion or start-up phase of State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI) affiliates in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. SFAI affiliates are nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations that conduct rigorous policy analysis in order to advocate for responsible tax and budget policies, particularly as they impact people with low- and moderate- incomes. Grants to lead these efforts were awarded to:
- Consensus Council, Inc. of Bismarck, N.D. - $100,000
- Rural Dynamics, Inc. of Great Falls, Mont. - $75,000
- South Dakota Voices for Children of Sioux Falls, S.D. - $100,000

Strengthening capacity and leadership - $100,000 was awarded to Western Organization of Resource Councils of Billings, Mont, to develop leadership and advocacy in the small-scale renewable energy industry that will leverage federal incentives and create green jobs and businesses which benefit people with low incomes. Project examples include a micro-biodiesel pilot program and retrofitting energy-efficient schools to reduce energy costs.

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News Releases

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:22:00 CST

Recession-Weary Iowans Struggle With Basic Food, Shelter, Utility and Medical Costs

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (September 17, 2009) – A recession that has seen an unprecedented collapse of financial institutions, a rash of home foreclosures, rising unemployment, and bankruptcies in the auto industry has many Iowans struggling to pay for basic necessities. A national poll of more than 4,000 adults shows Iowa families have cut their spending, taken in friends or relatives because of money, and lent or given money to those in need. Commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation, the poll also shows 63 percent in the state see more people struggling to make ends meet than a year ago, mostly because of circumstances they believe are beyond their control.

Fifty-seven percent of Iowans say they’ve had to reduce spending. More than half, 60 percent, report the change in spending habits will be permanent. In the past year, families have reported:

Twenty-five percent had problems paying for basic necessities like their mortgage, rent or heating.
Fifty percent say they’ve cut down on the amount they’ve spent on food.
Forty-three percent have cut back on saving for retirement.
Twenty-one percent have had a friend or family member stay with them because of money.
Thirty percent have had trouble affording medical care.

Compounding those challenges, 44 percent of people in the state say they would not know where to go in their community for help, and 51 percent say they are not familiar with government services such as food stamps.

“These poll numbers confirm what we are seeing in Iowa. Last year, a record 90,000 families applied for energy assistance, many of whom were first-time applicants,” said Lana Ross, executive director, Iowa Community Action Association. “The 18 local community action agencies in Iowa are working hard to support families who need help, but aren’t sure where to turn. We’ve received some federal stimulus funding to expand and create new services to meet the growing need.”

For a second year, people are worried that their paychecks won’t be enough to meet their bills, a response that may be related to reports of job insecurity:

Twenty-three percent say someone in their household has been laid off or lost a job.
Thirty-three percent say someone in their household has had their work hours cut.

Iowans also reported:

A majority says it takes at least $40,000 a year to meet basic needs of a family of four, which is more than twice the federal poverty level of $21,834 – the fourth year in a row that a majority of respondents has expressed this belief.
Fifty-five percent say two people earning $10 per hour is not enough to make ends meet for a family of four.

“Americans told us that things are even tougher for their families than the official unemployment and poverty rates suggest,” said Kevin F. Walker, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “They also say elected officials need to join them in finding solutions. Public policy is a critical tool in moving low-income people – and our nation – toward prosperity that lasts.”

Forty-one percent of respondents said the government is doing too little to help. Their priorities for lawmakers are ranked as follows: attracting and keeping good-paying jobs, making medical care more accessible, making college and vocational education more affordable, and making sure there is a safety net for those on the verge of losing their homes to foreclosure. Overwhelmingly people in Iowa said that when they vote, they will think about how well the candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Despite the tough times, Iowan resolve is strong. Fifty-five percent say they are hopeful about the national economy, and 85 percent say they believe the number of people struggling to get by in their community can be reduced. Seventy-nine percent say they are willing to volunteer to help, and 44 percent say someone in their household has gone so far as to lend or give money to someone who was in need.

For the full report, and to download toplines, policy briefs, executive summaries and charts, visit www.nwaf.org.

-END-

The Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners to conduct a national survey to explore local perceptions of the struggle to make ends meet in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address this struggle. The telephone survey was conducted among 4,004 Americans age 18 and older, from June 18 – July 13, 2009. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 interviews were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error for the national results is + 3.5 percentage points. Previous national polls were released in March 2006, March 2007 and April 2008.[1]

[1] The 2005-2006 survey included a national sample of 800 interviews, with oversamples of 200 interviews in each of eight states. The 2007, 2008 and 2009 surveys were conducted among a national sample of 800 adults, with oversamples of 400 interviews in each of eight states.

Recession-Weary Minnesotans Struggle With Basic Food, Shelter, Utility and Medical Costs

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (September 17, 2009) – A recession that has seen an unprecedented collapse of financial institutions, ongoing home foreclosures and rising unemployment has hit Minnesota with job loss, reduced work hours and scaled-back lifestyles. A national poll of more than 4,000 Americans shows Minnesota families have cut their spending, taken in friends or relatives because of money, and lent or given money to those in need. Minnesotans without a college degree are more likely to report a job loss than those with a degree. Commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation, the poll also shows two-thirds see more people struggling to make ends meet than a year ago, mostly because of circumstances they believe are beyond their control.

Sixty-three percent of Minnesotans say they’ve had to cut back on spending. More than half, 55 percent, report the change in habits will be permanent. In the past year, families reported:

Twenty-seven percent had problems paying for basic necessities like their mortgage, rent or heating.
Fifty-one percent say they’ve cut down on the amount they’ve spent on food.
Forty-eight percent have cut back on saving for retirement.
Twenty-three percent have had a friend or family member stay with them because of lack of funds.
Thirty-two percent have had trouble affording medical care.

“The economic downturn has played a huge role in the housing market in mid-Minnesota. Affordable housing has become less affordable and renters are struggling to make payments. Rents are not being paid on time and the eviction rate has tripled in the past year,” said Laura McKnight, property manager, Partnership to Supply Affordable Housing.

Compounding those challenges, 47 percent of people in the state say they would not know where to go in their community for help, and 52 percent say they are not familiar with government services such as food stamps. For a second year in a row, people are worried that their paychecks won’t be enough to meet their bills, a response that may be related to reports of job insecurity:

Twenty-four percent say someone in their household has been laid off or lost a job.
Forty-one percent say someone in their household has had their work hours cut.

Minnesotans also reported:

A majority says it takes at least $40,000 a year to meet basic needs of a family of four, which is more than twice the federal poverty level of $21,834 – the fourth year in a row that a majority of respondents has expressed this belief.
Sixty-six percent say two adults earning $10 per hour is not enough to make ends meet for a family of four.

Forty-seven percent of respondents said the government is doing too little to help. Their priorities for lawmakers are ranked as follows: attracting and keeping good-paying jobs, making medical care more accessible, making college and vocational education more affordable, and making sure there is a safety net for those on the verge of losing their homes to foreclosure. Overwhelmingly people in Minnesota said that when they vote, they will think about how well the candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Despite the tough times, Minnesotan resolve is strong. Fifty-nine percent say they are hopeful about the national economy, and 85 percent say they believe the number of people struggling to get by in their community can be reduced. Eighty percent say they are willing to volunteer to help, and 44 percent say someone in their household has gone so far as to lend or give money to someone who was in need.

For the full report, and to download toplines, policy briefs, executive summaries and charts, visit www.nwaf.org.

-END-

Recession-Weary Montanans Struggle With Basic Food, Shelter, Utility and Medical Costs

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (September 17, 2009) – A recession that has seen an unprecedented collapse of financial institutions, ongoing home foreclosures and rising unemployment has pounded Montana with job loss, reduced work hours and scaled-back lifestyles. A national poll of more than 4,000 Americans shows Montana families have cut their spending, taken in friends or relatives because of money, and lent or given money to those in need. Montanans without a college degree are most likely to report a job loss than those with a degree. Commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation, the poll also shows two-thirds in the state see more people struggling to make ends meet than a year ago, mostly because of circumstances they believe are beyond their control.

Sixty-two percent of Montanans say they’ve had to cut back on spending. More than half, 66 percent, report the change in spending habits will be permanent. In the past year, families reported:

Thirty percent had problems paying for basic necessities like their mortgage, rent or heating.
Forty-nine percent say they’ve cut down on the amount they spend on food.
Forty-seven percent have cut back on saving for retirement.
Twenty-one percent have had a friend or family member stay with them because of lack of funds.
Thirty-seven percent have had trouble affording medical care.

Compounding those challenges, 43 percent in the state say they would not know where to go in their community for help, and 47 percent say they are not familiar with government services such as food stamps.

“These poll numbers just begin to tell the story of financial distress in Montana. The need for help has spiked – food bank visits have jumped by as much as 35 percent, and requests for housing and utility assistance are up nearly 25 percent,” said Elissa Mitchell, president, Montana Association of Human Resource Development Councils. “Much of it is coming from new clients – people who had good jobs just a year ago, but now are unemployed and have depleted their savings.”

For a second year in a row, people are worried that their paychecks won’t be enough to meet their bills, a response that may be related to reports of job insecurity:

Twenty-four percent say someone in their household has been laid off or lost a job.
Thirty percent say someone in their household has had their work hours cut.

Montanans also reported:

A majority says it takes at least $40,000 a year to meet basic needs of a family of four, which is more than twice the federal poverty level of $21,834 – the fourth year in a row that a majority of respondents has expressed this belief.
Fifty-two percent say two adults earning $10 per hour is not enough to make ends meet for a family of four.

Montanans are more pessimistic about the national economy than people elsewhere. Only 44 percent say they are hopeful about the national economy, compared to 56 percent nationally. Still, 82 percent say they believe the number of people struggling to get by in their community can be reduced. Eighty-one percent say they are willing to volunteer to help, and 50 percent say someone in their household has lent or given money to someone in need.

Forty-four percent of respondents said the government is doing too little to help. Their priorities for lawmakers are ranked as follows: attracting and keeping well-paying jobs, making medical care more accessible , making college and vocational education more affordable and making sure there is a safety net for those on the verge of losing their homes to foreclosure. Overwhelmingly people in Montana said that when they vote, they will think about how well the candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

For the full report, and to download toplines, policy briefs, executive summaries and charts, visit www.nwaf.org.

-END-

Recession-Weary Americans Struggle With Basic Food, Shelter, Utility and Medical Costs

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (September 17, 2009) – A recession that has seen an unprecedented collapse of financial institutions, ongoing home foreclosures, high unemployment, and bankruptcies in the auto industry has many Americans struggling to pay for basic necessities. A national poll of more than 4,000 adults shows American families have cut spending, taken in friends or relatives and lent or given money to those in need. Commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation, the poll shows two-thirds of Americans see more people struggling to make ends meet than a year ago, mostly because of circumstances they believe are beyond their control.

Sixty-one percent of Americans say they’ve had to reduce spending. More than half, 57 percent, report the change in spending will be permanent. In the past year, families report:

Twenty-seven percent had problems paying for basic necessities like their mortgage, rent or heating.
Fifty-three percent say they’ve cut down on the amount they’ve spent on food.
Forty-four percent have cut back on saving for retirement.
Twenty-four percent have had a friend or family member stay with them due to lack of funds.
Thirty-two percent have had trouble affording medical care.

“These poll numbers reflect the vulnerability brought on by an economy that provides few incentives for families trying to build enduring personal assets,” said Andrea Levere, president, CFED. “As we work to recover from this recession and build a stronger economy, local and state officials have the opportunity to support incentives that encourage financial security, such as matched savings programs, that can benefit the low- and middle- income families who need help most.”

Compounding those challenges, half of all Americans, 49 percent, say they would not know where to go in their community for help, and 52 percent say they are not familiar with government services such as food stamps. For the second year in a row, people said they worry their paychecks won’t be enough to meet their bills, a response that may be related to reports of job insecurity:

Twenty-seven percent say someone in their household has been laid off or lost a job.
Thirty-eight percent say someone in their household has had their work hours cut.

“Northwest Area Foundation’s critically-important survey further confirms the devastating current scenario that we are far too often seeing and experiencing in all of our Catholic Charities agencies around the country,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. “NWAF and CCUSA share a strong bond in our focus on the poor and helping them achieve a greater level of prosperity. These times may test our human and financial resources, but they do not weaken our will—or our resolve—in the work to reduce poverty in America.”

An overwhelming majority of Americans also reported:

It takes at least $40,000 a year to meet basic needs of a family of four, which is nearly twice the federal poverty level of $21,834 – the fourth year in a row that a majority of respondents has expressed this belief.
Sixty-three percent say two adults earning $10 per hour is not enough to make ends meet for a family of four.

Fifty-one percent of respondents said the government is doing too little to help. Their priorities for lawmakers are ranked as follows: attracting and keeping well-paying jobs, making medical care more accessible, making college and vocational education more affordable, and making sure there is a safety net for renters and homeowners. Overwhelmingly Americans said that when they vote, they will think about how well the candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Despite the tough times, American resolve is strong. Fifty-six percent say they are hopeful about the national economy. Eighty-four percent say they believe the number of people struggling to get by in their community can be reduced significantly. Eighty percent say they are willing to volunteer to help, and 56 percent say someone in their household has gone so far as to lend or give money to someone who was in need.

For the full report, and to download toplines, policy briefs, executive summaries and charts, visit www.nwaf.org.

-END-

The Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national survey to explore local perceptions of the struggle to make ends meet in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address this struggle. The telephone survey was conducted among 4,004 Americans age 18 and older, from June 18 – July 13, 2009. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 interviews were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error for the national results is + 3.5 percentage points. Previous national polls were released in March 2006, March 2007 and April 2008.[1]

Northwest Area Foundation Backs Three Key NorthWay Community Trust Initiatives Aligned With New Strategic Direction

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CST

Jan. 2, 2009 - The St. Paul-based Northwest Area Foundation has awarded NorthWay Community Trust a three-year, $1.75 million grant to support three initiatives: Twin Cities Center for Arts and Technology, a center for building a skilled, competent workforce in North Minneapolis; Northside Achievement Zone, a model for organizing community members around the healthy development of children; and the Main Street Corridor Project, a program to prepare North Minneapolis residents for small business ownership. NorthWay is a Minneapolis community-based nonprofit organization focused on reducing poverty.

This grant marks a decision by NorthWay and the Northwest Area Foundation to change the relationship between the two organizations. For the last five years, they participated in a partnership agreement to implement a community-developed, 10-year poverty reduction strategy. That relationship has now moved to a more targeted one whereby Foundation support will assist Northway’s efforts to develop the three projects in North Minneapolis.

The Foundation’s approach aligns with its new strategic plan, which seeks to reduce poverty in three outcome areas: increasing assets and wealth, building capacity and leadership, and improving public policy solutions. “The three projects supported by our latest grant to NorthWay have great potential for lasting poverty reduction and prosperity building in North Minneapolis,” said Gary Cunningham, Northwest Area Foundation vice president of programs and chief program officer. With this newest grant to Northway, the Foundation has invested over $6.75 million in North Minneapolis in the last five years.

“Since the beginning, we have worked to address systemic problems, develop long-term solutions, and operate across sectors, organizations, programs and traditional neighborhood boundaries in order to fundamentally change the entire Northside community,” said Wesley Walker, Executive Director of NorthWay Community Trust. “At the same time, we were founded on the belief that change was essential if we wanted to achieve the community-developed vision of reducing poverty and increasing wealth in our 13 North Minneapolis neighborhoods.”

NorthWay Community Trust brings together citizens, service providers and government agencies in collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life for North Minneapolis residents. Although it will discontinue making partnership investments, Northway will maintain its role as a community convener, and will create, support, sustain, and assess community collaboratives.

“We are committed to making significant long-term investments in North Minneapolis to reduce poverty over time,” said Cunningham. “Our reframed relationship with NorthWay provides both organizations with the flexibility and accountability needed to target our efforts for greater impact,” he said. In tandem with NorthWay, the Northwest Area Foundation is tapping into more of the talent, experience and energy that exist among nonprofits and other change agents in North Minneapolis. “We are exploring relationships with organizations and funders to focus on pressing issues such as the mortgage foreclosure crisis, early childhood development, micro- and small-business development, and strengthening the social service infrastructure,” said Cunningham.

Northway Community Trust is a nonprofit community support organization leading efforts to expand economic opportunity, strengthen the social fabric and improve life circumstances for North Minneapolis residents. Its purpose is to foster collaborations and advocate for systemic change in order to reduce poverty and increase wealth in North Minneapolis.

The mission of Northwest Area Foundation is to support efforts by the people, organizations and communities of its eight-state region to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The region comprises the states once served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the foundation in 1934. For additional information about the Foundation, visit www.nwaf.org, or call 651-224-9635.

-End-

Fred C. Kiga and Linda L. Hoeschler Join The Northwest Area Foundation Board of Directors

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CST

St. Paul, Minn., (August 6, 2008) –Fred C. Kiga and Linda L. Hoeschler have joined the Northwest Area Foundation’s board of directors. Each will serve a three-year term beginning in July 2008.

Kiga is vice president of Northwest State & Local Government Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship for the Boeing Company. Prior to his position at Boeing, he served as director of the Washington State Department of Revenue and then chief of staff to former Washington Governor Gary Locke.

“Fred Kiga’s experience in the business world and in state government will be a great asset to the Northwest Area Foundation as we complete our strategic plan and strive to make even greater impact in reducing poverty in Washington and seven other states,” said Kevin F. Walker, president & CEO of Northwest Area Foundation.

A graduate of the University of Washington, Kiga holds a bachelor’s and master’s in Business Administration and a juris doctor. He serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the University of Washington Board of Regents, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, the Association of Washington Business, Washington Dental Service Foundation and the Washington Research Council. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Marianne, and daughter, Nicole.

Hoeschler joins the board of directors after serving nine years as a foundation trustee, the last five years of which she was the chair. Hoeschler was executive director of the American Composers Forum, a St. Paul-based nonprofit, for over 12 years until 2003. Prior to that, Hoeschler held various positions in the corporate sector including vice president at Dayton Hudson (now Target) Corporation, group vice president of National Computer Systems and president of Landmark Investors, Ltd.

An honors graduate of Barnard College, Hoeschler is a Herbert Lehman Fellow at New School University where she received her Master of Arts degree. She received two Doctorates of Humane Letters in 2003 from St. John’s University and the University of St. Thomas. She has served on many business and charitable boards and is currently a member of the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation, St. John’s University and United Theological Seminary. Hoeschler lives in St. Paul.

“Linda Hoeschler knows our organization well, having served with distinction as a trustee for many years. In addition to that institutional knowledge, she brings invaluable experience from both the nonprofit and business sectors. We look forward to tapping her knowledge as we move ahead with our poverty reduction mission,” said Walker.

The Northwest Area Foundation board of directors consists of 13 representatives from throughout the Foundation’s eight-state region. Kiga and Hoeschler join fellow board members Dorothy Bridges, Minnesota; Elouise Cobell, Montana; Louis Fors Hill, Minnesota; Patricia Jensen, Minnesota; Daniel Kemmis, Montana; Father Kevin McDonough, Minnesota; Elsie Meeks, South Dakota; Natalie Camacho Mendoza, Idaho; Sally Pederson, Iowa; William Thorndike, Jr., Oregon; and Sarah Vogel, North Dakota. Each director may serve for up to three consecutive, three-year terms.

The Foundation’s five trustees are Terrence W. Glarner, St. Paul; Linda Hoeschler, St. Paul; Thomas J. Horak, St. Paul; Rodney W. Jordan, Minneapolis; and Nicholas Slade, Minneapolis.

Lummi Artists and Fishers Combine Culture with Microbusiness in Unique Economic Development Plan

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

Bellingham, Wash., (July 30, 2008) – Perched on the banks of the Puget Sound, the Lummi people have for generations made their livelihood off fishing and hunting. The seaside setting has nurtured a culture of artists eager to capitalize on their creative talents. Downturns in the fishing industry and limited markets for the artisans have contributed to the reservation’s 28 percent poverty rate.

In bold and innovative steps toward prosperity, the Lummi are developing a unique micro business plan that would develop almost unheard of small business owners on the Lummi Nation reservation.

The economic development plan centers around a new Gateway Center and office building that will be located along the busy I-5 corridor outside Bellingham, a well traveled highway linking Seattle to Vancouver, with 90,000 motorists passing by everyday. Plans call for an 8,000 square foot building that will house a fresh fish market, artist gallery, artist studio and gift shop as well as a small business incubator with classrooms to offer training to budding entrepreneurs. An adjacent building will lease office space, providing additional revenue to support the Center.

“This Building has been a dream come true for many people and will help create financial stability in a community struggling to cope with the decline of the fishing industry,” said Kathy Pierre, executive director of Lummi Nation Ventures.

“This is a way to balance community needs with economic development needs. We figured out a way to do this and pay for it without gaming dollars. This is truly a unique business model,” said Mike Rawley, business development manager, Lummi Ventures.

The Gateway Center will be decorated with traditional Lummi artwork designed to tell the story of the tribe’s rich heritage and culture, featuring live storytellers in native costumes.

“A lot of people don’t have a reason to come to the reservation. This gives them a reason to visit and learn who the Lummi are. This is not just a business opportunity, it’s also an opportunity to showcase our culture,” said Pierre.

The project represents a number of groundbreaking achievements for the Lummi people, not the least of which is an historic partnership with the city of Ferndale, Washington and the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. In order for the Lummi to secure their spot along I-5, they had to purchase land from the city of Ferndale. Ferndale agreed to allow the transfer of the land from its tax rolls into Indian land trust.

The project is financed in part with a $450,000 grant from the Northwest Area Foundation to stimulate additional funding for the multi-million dollar Gateway Center.

“This is a truly historic and commendable project,” said Tony Genia, senior program officer at Northwest Area Foundation, who works with Native American tribes. “The strategy of integrating culture with economic development is innovative and helps create the market niche needed to make the program successful. It has great potential for long-term success in reducing poverty and creating prosperity.”

Lummi Nation will begin construction on the Gateway project as soon as the land along I-5 is moved into Indian Trust. The tribe’s goal is to open for business by December 2009, just months before the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics in nearby Vancouver.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to `reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation.

Northwest Area Foundation Awards $2.46 Million Grant to Cheyenne River Sioux Nation – Supports Reservation’s Initiatives to Reduce Deep Poverty

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

St. Paul, Minn., (July 29, 2008) – The Northwest Area Foundation has made a $2.46 million grant to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Ventures organization to support its 10-year strategic plan to reduce its 46 percent poverty rate on the reservation in central South Dakota. This is the Foundation’s second grant to Tribal Ventures in support of this initiative.

“This grant speaks to the progress the Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures has made in reaching its poverty reduction goals,” said Tony Genia, senior program officer at Northwest Area Foundation who works with Native American tribes. “The Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures program is unique, not just because it is a reservation-based poverty reduction program, but also because it relies primarily on working through collaborative partnerships with proven or promising organizations to implement strategies.”

The Foundation’s initial $2.5 million grant to Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures in March 2006 funded the following strategies: individual, family and community development; community capacity building; and, economic development.

Among the accomplishments:
• The creation of eight Learning Centers that provide education and tribal services in remote and isolated regions of the 2.8 million acre reservation in central South Dakota.
• Over 200 students enrolled in GED programs, with 20 already receiving their degrees, representing a significant increase in graduates since 2006.
• Financial literacy training for youth, paid internships, and Individual Development Accounts (IDA) that teach young people the value of saving and investing.
• Creation of the Cheyenne River Chamber of Commerce that currently boasts more than 40 members.
• Developing a Lakota Daycare Immersion program in partnership with Presentation College that emphasizes preschool learning in the Lakota language.

“Tribal Ventures is going phenomenally well. Poverty reduction is hard work, but it’s great work. There’s a lot of heart and commitment in it,” said Tanya Fiddler, board chair of Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures. “This grant will enable us to move ahead with some expanded asset building opportunities for the communities in addition to the Learning Centers and programs and services currently in place.”

To listen to a podcast featuring Tanya Fiddler and Tony Genia speaking more about the Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures accomplishments, visit http://programs.nwaf.org/pr/nwaf/info/electronic.asp.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation.

Kevin F. Walker is Named New President and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

Walker to Lead Foundation in New Strategic Direction

St. Paul, Minn., March 27, 2008: Today the board of directors of the Northwest Area Foundation announced the selection of Kevin F. Walker as the new president and CEO of the 74-year-old organization. Walker replaces Karl Stauber, who resigned in June 2007 to become president and CEO of the Danville Regional Foundation in Danville, Virginia. Kari Schlachtenhaufen was named interim president in July 2007 and will continue to serve in that position until Walker joins the Foundation May 19.

Walker assumes this leadership post at a time of significant change for the Foundation. After nearly 10 years of sharp focus on a single mission – to reduce poverty long term – and an unconventional grantmaking approach – to engage a few communities in long-term initiatives – the Foundation’s board of directors has decided that significant changes in that approach would enable the Foundation to achieve greater impact.

In October 2007, the board reconfirmed the mission of poverty alleviation, and, based on lessons learned over the last decade, changed the focus of how the work will be done. Going forward, the Foundation’s core strategy will be to make grants to proven or promising organizations doing effective poverty reduction work in their communities or in the region.

“Among grantmakers working on the challenges facing low-income Americans, the Northwest Area Foundation has established itself as a cutting-edge institution,” said Walker. “I’m looking forward to helping the foundation chart its future course and achieve even greater impact in the region.”

Walker brings extensive nonprofit and philanthropic experience to his new post. With the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Flint, Michigan, for 13 years, he led that organization’s Pathways Out of Poverty Program since 1999. That national anti-poverty initiative focused on improving education, expanding economic opportunity, and building organized communities. Most recently, he served as Mott’s associate vice president of programs where he conducted strategic planning, guided grantmaking and oversaw evaluation in the national anti-poverty program and the foundation’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in its home community of Flint, Michigan.

“We are very fortunate to be bringing this level of national experience in anti-poverty work to our Foundation,” said Northwest Area Foundation Board Chair Daniel Kemmis. “We’re especially pleased with Kevin Walker’s strong track record of team-building and collaboration, which fits perfectly with our renewed emphasis on working in partnership with other foundations and with proven or promising organizations across our eight-state region.”

Walker has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, and has provided leadership on many, including: Afterschool Alliance, a national advocacy organization dedicated to the vision of after school programs for all; Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Families; Hispanics in Philanthropy; Voices for Michigan’s Children; and the Flint Institute of Music. He has also served on several committees for the Council of Michigan Foundations.

Walker earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. Walker and his wife Lisa have two young sons.

The Northwest Area Foundation’s mission is to help reduce poverty long term in its eight-state region: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

Four Rural Communities Named Great Strides Award Winners for Innovative Steps to Reduce Poverty

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

Eagle Butte, South Dakota; Elk City, Idaho; Glendive, Montana;and Roseburg, Oregon Each Awarded $100,000

St. Paul, Minn., January 25, 2008. The Northwest Area Foundation today announced winners of its 2008 Great Strides Awards, recognition given to communities that have designed and benefited from creative models of long-term poverty reduction. Their innovative approaches include an agricultural marketing cooperative, self-help housing, low interest loans to Native American businesses and a leading edge forest restoration project intertwined with poverty reduction. Each community will receive a $100,000 award for their successes to date.

This year’s winners are:
• Eagle Butte, South Dakota – Four Bands Community Fund
• Elk City, Idaho – Framing Our Community, Inc. (FOC)
• Glendive, Montana – Community GATE
• Roseburg, Oregon – Umpqua Community Development Corporation

“The work of poverty reduction is neither quick nor easy. But these communities have shown that when they take responsibility for change, they can and do reduce poverty for the long term. The Great Strides Awards are meant to encourage them in their work and prompt other communities to adopt their successful models,” said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, interim president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation.

Eagle Butte, South Dakota – Four Bands Community Fund (Dewey County poverty rate 26 percent; Ziebach County 39 percent; focus area population 9,600) Anchored on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation spanning two counties of extreme poverty, the Four Bands Community Fund is a nonprofit Native American community development financial institution that assists small business development through lending, technical assistance, business education and financial literacy. Since it was established in 2000, Four Bands has helped 70 businesses expand or get their start. These businesses have created more than 100 jobs in an area that has one of the highest unemployment and poverty rates in the entire country. Individual Development Accounts support home ownership, higher education and asset development. Youth Programs expose the next generation of leaders on the reservation to entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Elk City, Idaho – Framing Our Community, Inc. (FOC) (Idaho County, poverty rate 15 percent; focus area population 15,542) Bounded by the rustic Nez Perce National Forest, Elk City has suffered job loss and population decline with the downturn in the timber industry. Rather than consider the forest a moribund resource, town leaders did what may be surprising: they turned to diseased, dead and downed trees as a new source of prosperity. State and federal land management agencies, tribal governments and private land owners are partnering with the nonprofit organization, Framing Our Community (FOC), Inc., to remove ravaged timber resulting in hazardous fuels reduction and forest restoration. The long-range vision includes a small business incubator dedicated to creating value-added products out of the discarded wood. Switching from an extraction-based economy to a restoration-based economy has created new jobs for Idaho County, which the Bureau of Economic Analysis had previously identified as an area with a low income and high unemployment.

Glendive, Montana – Community GATE (Dawson County poverty 12 percent; focus area population 8,650) Located amid Montana’s agricultural heartland, Glendive is building on its farming roots to provide job training and new careers for those who are living below the poverty threshold. The town’s Community GATE (Giving Assistance Toward Employment) model incorporates an agriculture marketing cooperative that encourages farmers to sell locally grown crops, such as beans and barley, right in the community to Western Trails Foods, a local food business. The long-range plan calls for a farm-to-table restaurant and microbrewery where residents could also receive college training for the culinary industry. The new venture would bring new jobs and a shared-use, commercial kitchen where people with low or fixed-incomes could process their food, and local producers could add value to their products. Community GATE also sponsors a farmer’s market that serves low income and working families. A chef’s training program and community garden at a regional prison were developed through a partnership with law enforcement and the local community college.

Roseburg, Oregon – Umpqua Community Development Corporation (Coos County poverty rate 16 percent; Curry County poverty rate 13 percent and Douglas County poverty rate 15 percent; focus area population 9,563) Once known as the Timber Capital of the world, Roseburg has suffered with the decline in the industry. The picturesque city in the Umpqua River basin battled old housing, rundown commercial buildings and double-digit unemployment. The Umpqua Community Development Corporation has been successful in overcoming poverty through comprehensive programs to promote affordable housing, small business development, financial literacy training and jobs creation. Among the achievements is its “Self Help Housing” that offers no down payment, low interest mortgages for housing built with sweat equity and an IDA Dream Savers program that teaches young people to save money and learn about financial matters.

The $100,000 award will go to community organizations which will decide how the funds will be used for community benefit. Each community has also been offered an additional $40,000 grant to finance their efforts to share their stories and lessons with other communities that may want to replicate or adopt the poverty reduction strategies.

Twenty-three communities in Northwest Area Foundation’s eight-state region (South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon) applied for this year’s award. Six finalists hosted on sight visits from the Foundation, after which the four winners were named.

Each submission was evaluated against five key criteria:
• Inclusiveness: involvement of community members from diverse sectors and groups.
• Regional impact: interaction with and awareness of other communities facing similar issues in their geographic area.
• Asset-based perspective: recognition of the community’s existing strengths.
• Economic engines: involvement with businesses and other organizations that fuel the local economy.
• Leadership: efforts to nurture leaders from different public and private sectors, ages and genders.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to helping communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon reduce poverty for the long term. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill established the Foundation. The Foundation has $500 million in assets.

Elk City, Idaho, Framing Our Community, Inc. Wins $100,000 Great Strides Award from Northwest Area Foundation

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

The Award Recognizes Poverty-Reduction Efforts and Successes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (January 25, 2008 ) – The Northwest Area Foundation today named Framing Our Community, Inc. of Elk City, Idaho, a 2008 Great Strides Award winner for a cutting-edge initiative that intertwines forest restoration with reducing poverty. The award is given in recognition of innovative strides communities have taken to reduce poverty for the long term. Every year up to four communities are selected for a Great Strides Award; each winner receives $100,000.

Affected by high unemployment and low wages due to a downturn in the timber industry, people in Elk City, Idaho, refused to give up hope for their rural way of life in the Nez Perce National Forest. Town leaders recognized a source of their struggles could be transformed into a source of prosperity: wood from diseased, dead and downed trees could be carved into value-added products. Thinning out the ravaged trees reduces hazardous fuels resulting from the scrap wood, which in turn helps restore the forest environment. The idea spawned Framing Our Community, Inc., a non-profit, that in partnership with the state and federal land management agencies, tribal governments and private landowners, could build capacity to reduce poverty long-term. Switching from an extraction-based economy to a restoration-based economy has created new jobs for Idaho County, and a small business incubator that encourages entrepreneurship through training, support and e-commerce.

“Framing Our Community in Elk City is most certainly having a region impact through sharing ideas and lessons learned with other communities. From the beginning, it sought to involve all of Elk City’s residents in its projects, holding widely advertised community meetings to invite input and participation. The Great Strides award will help this organization and community increase efforts to develop local leaders while building on local human, natural and cultural assets,” said Dr. Lorie Higgins of the University of Idaho.

Other 2008 Great Strides winners include the Eagle Butte, S.D., Four Bands Community Fund; Glendive, Mont., Community GATE; and Roseburg, Ore., Umpqua Community Development Corporation. The $100,000 award will go to community organizations to be used for community benefit. Northwest Area Foundation has asked each winner to work with the Foundation to share key lessons about their efforts and programs so that other communities can learn from their experiences and possibly replicate the success.

“In our work, poverty reduction is neither fast nor easy. This year’s Great Strides winners have proven that by identifying new economic engines communities can make sustainable changes to reduce poverty over the long run. They have valuable lessons to share,” said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, interim president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation.

Twenty-three communities from the Northwest Area Foundation’s eight-state region applied for the 2008 Great Strides award. Six finalists hosted on-site visits by the Foundation after which the four winners were selected.

Great Strides Award recipients were selected using the following criteria:
• Inclusiveness: community involvement from diverse sectors and groups.
• Regional impact: interaction with and awareness of other communities facing similar issues in their geographic area.
• Asset-based perspective: recognition of the community’s existing strengths.
• Economic engines: involvement with businesses and other organizations that fuel the local economy.
• Leadership: efforts to nurture leaders from different public and private sectors, ages and genders.

The Northwest Area Foundation’s mission is to help communities reduce poverty long term. The Foundation's service area includes Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington – the states once served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation.

Eagle Butte, SD – Four Bands Community Fund Wins $100,000 Great Strides Award from Northwest Area Foundation

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

The Award Recognizes Poverty-Reduction Efforts and Successes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (January 25, 2008 ) – The Northwest Area Foundation today named Four Bands Community Fund of Eagle Butte, S.D., a 2008 Great Strides award winner for its success in private business development and growing assets on the Cheyenne River reservation. The award is given in recognition of innovative strides communities have taken to reduce poverty for the long term. Every year up to four communities are selected for a Great Strides Award; each winner receives $100,000.

Located on the rolling prairies of the Cheyenne River Reservation, the Four Bands Community Fund is a Native American community development financial institution that addresses the challenges of high unemployment and low wages faced by people in an area of high poverty (49 percent poverty rate for the Cheyenne River Reservation). Four Bands assists small businesses through lending, technical assistance, business education and financial literacy. Since it was established in 2000, Four Bands has helped 70 businesses get their start or expand. The impressive list of businesses include a youth-owned sporting goods store, a plumbing and heating service, a tourism collaborative and a flower and gift shop. Four Bands offers Individual Development Accounts that can be tapped for home ownership, higher education and asset development. An emphasis is placed on training the next generation of entrepreneurs through financial literacy training for youth.

“We believe in and recognize the values and virtues of our communities and support the many talented individuals we serve through integrated asset building on the Cheyenne River Reservation,” said Tanya Fiddler, executive director of Four Bands Community Fund. “Our financial education and business development tools are offered to youth and adults to empower our people to become self-sustaining and self-sufficient.”

Other 2008 Great Strides winners include the Elk City, Idaho, Framing our Community (FOC), Inc.; Glendive, Mont., Community GATE; and Roseburg, Ore., Umpqua Community Development Corporation. The $100,000 award will go to community organizations to be used for community benefit. Northwest Area Foundation has asked each winner to work with the Foundation to share key lessons about their efforts and programs so that other communities can learn from their experiences and possibly replicate the success.

Great Strides Award recipients were selected using the following criteria:
• Inclusiveness: community involvement from diverse sectors and groups.
• Regional impact: interaction with and awareness of other communities facing similar issues in their geographic area.
• Asset-based perspective: recognition of the community’s existing strengths.
• Economic engines: involvement with businesses and other organizations that drive the local economy.
• Leadership: efforts to develop leaders from different public and private sectors, ages and genders.

Roseburg, Ore., Umpqua Community Development Corporation Wins $100,000 Great Strides Award from Northwest Area Foundation

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

The Award Recognizes Poverty Reduction Efforts and Successes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (January 25, 2008 ) – The Northwest Area Foundation today named Umpqua Community Development Corporation of Roseburg, Ore., a 2008 Great Strides award winner for its successful model of reducing poverty through affordable housing, small business development, financial education and jobs creation. The award is given in recognition of innovative strides communities have taken to reduce poverty for the long term. Every year up to four communities are selected for a Great Strides Award; each winner receives $100,000.

The once renowned Timber Capital of the world, Roseburg has suffered with the industry’s decline. The picturesque city in the Umpqua River Basin gave way to old housing, rundown buildings and high unemployment with poverty rates in the tri-county region hovering between 13 and 15 percent. Umpqua Community Development Corporation has reversed that downward trend through a portfolio of products and services including a “Self-Help Housing” program which offers no-down-payment, low-interest mortgages for housing built with sweat equity. A business development program has helped launch some unique enterprises such as Sisters Shredding, a document shredding service run by two special-needs sister who are not able to read the documents they shred.

“Umpqua Community Development Corporation has proven that creative approaches to economic development can successfully reduce poverty. The CDC’s efforts add to the economic diversity of our region, and the impact has been far reaching. For instance, Sutherlin is economically the healthiest community I’ve worked in,” said Bud Schmidt, city manager of Sutherlin.

Other 2008 Great Strides winners include the Eagle Butte, S.D., Four Bands Community Fund; Elk City, Idaho, Framing our Community (FOC), Inc.; and Glendive, Mont., Community GATE. The $100,000 award will go to community organizations to be used for community benefit. Northwest Area Foundation has asked each winner to work with the Foundation to share key lessons about their efforts and programs so that other communities can learn from their experiences and possibly replicate the success.

Great Strides Award recipients were selected using the following criteria:
• Inclusiveness: community involvement from diverse sectors and groups.
• Regional impact: interaction with and awareness of other communities facing similar issues in their geographic area.
• Asset-based perspective: recognition of the community’s existing strengths.
• Economic engines: involvement with businesses and other organizations that drive the local economy.
• Leadership: efforts to develop leaders from different public and private sectors, ages and genders.

Top Three Things South Dakotans Say They Would Do to Help People Who Are Struggling To Make Ends Meet

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. January 18, 2008: Paying off bills and going to the doctor are basics many take for granted, but these things are rarities for the 37 million people in America who live in poverty. In South Dakota, 86 percent say they know someone in their community who is working one or more jobs and is still struggling to make ends meet. Ninety percent of South Dakotans say they want to help those who are struggling and would most likely do the following things:
1. Participate in a church project (88 percent)
2. Attend a discussion on ways to help (79 percent)
3. Talk to elected officials about the problem (73 percent)

That list of priorities comes from a national poll commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation on people’s perceptions of those who are struggling to make ends meet. In South Dakota and nationally, respondents also said a family of four needs $40,000 a year to make ends meet, a figure nearly twice the federal poverty threshold.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners to conduct a national tracking survey among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2 -22, 2007. Over-samples were conducted and weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind. The first findings were released in April 2006.

Communities Work to Reduce Poverty Amid the Backdrop of the Iowa Caucuses

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

Program forges new partnerships and new strategies for change

St. Paul, Minn. (December 19, 2007). As the parade of candidates from the 2008 presidential election marches through Iowa, many people living in rural areas are determined to overcome difficulties common in small towns across America: significant population change and economic decline.

“You can drive through any small town in America and not realize people are struggling. Wages for the working class are often so low that I don’t know how people can live there,” said Belinda Willhite of Corydon, Iowa, who counts herself among those living in rural poverty.

While poverty has been on the agenda for some presidential candidates more than others, it’s center stage for 19 Iowa communities that are part of the Horizons leadership development program which specifically focuses on rural communities of under 5,000.

Willhite is among scores of people in Iowa and six other states who, through Horizons, are forging new and nontraditional partnerships: people with money and those without, traditional leaders and those who’ve never had a voice, senior citizens and teenage future leaders. The program operates under the theory that by growing its pool of strong leaders, a community can identify the roots of poverty and ways to attack it. The result has been innovative new actions and important systems change.

In the south central Iowa town of Corydon, where the poverty rate is 15 percent and the average annual wage is $22,731, the community has developed a new information and referral center called Welcome, We Help, Inc. that acts as a clearinghouse for people looking to pull themselves from poverty to prosperity.

“There are services that even long standing residents never knew about. One example is a clothing room in town where everything is free. I wouldn’t doubt that there are people with no food in their houses who have no idea where to turn. Now people can find help they need to stay in the small community they love,” said Willhite.

Hundreds of miles away in northeast Iowa, people in Elma are learning to identify poverty and take action to reverse it. Main street is struggling with several empty storefronts. One possible solution: set up a seasonal marketplace where artisans can show their wares.

“Our goal is to get the buildings rented by cottage or seasonal businesses. Then perhaps the income potential would spur renovation of some of the well-worn buildings,” said Bruce Weigel, president of the local bank and a participant in the Horizons effort.

The list of actions among the communities are as varied as they are; from developing new daycare options for working parents to attracting more tourism to the nitty gritty of cleaning up the town and clearing out old appliances. The plans are designed to create lasting change long after the 2008 presidential election is accomplished, and new leaders are chosen.

One-hundred forty-one communities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Washington State are currently participating in the 18-month Horizons program, which is funded by the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Delivered directly into the communities by state university extension services and colleges, the Horizons program strives to help communities build their skills, knowledge and contacts to reduce poverty and build prosperity long term. Iowa State University Extension Service delivers the program to participating towns in the Hawkeye State.

“Iowa State University Extension is pleased to be the delivery organization for this important effort, working along side the Northwest Area Foundation and the citizens of 19 Iowa communities. We are helping communities take charge and building stronger leaders to address poverty, economic decline and the exodus of young adults,” said Jack Payne, vice president for Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University.

Northwest Area Foundation Awards $7.71 Million in Grants to Four Native American Groups

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

St. Paul, Minn., Nov. 14, 2007 - The Northwest Area Foundation has awarded $7.71 million in grants to an urban-based Native American group in each of four states for the purpose of breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty. The four separate grants are intended to help build organizational capacity and to support programs for long-term poverty reduction. The grants include:

• A two-year, $3.5 million grant to United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF), Seattle, Wash., which plans to use the money for a community development center, small business development, a Native American cultural center and enhanced education for adults and early childhood.

• A two-year, $3.36 million grant to Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA), Portland, Ore., which indicates it will apply the grant to workforce development, low income housing, promotion of home ownership, job training and civic engagement.

• A one-year, $500,000 grant to Society for the Advancement of Native Interests- Today (SaniT), Rapid City, S.D., for use in culturally-based education, business and employability training.

• A one-year, $350,000 grant to Native American Development Corporation (NADC), Billings, Mont., for workforce development, a jobs training center and business training and development.

The Northwest Area Foundation realizes its mission – helping communities reduce poverty – by supporting strategic efforts within a small number of urban, rural and American Indian communities in: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. These states were serviced by James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railway. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs. As of March 31, 2007, the Foundation had assets valued at approximately $500 million.

New Web-Based Calculator Helps Evaluate Quality of Jobs

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

Tool will help community leaders decide whether a new business will bring jobs with wage levels they are seeking.

ST. PAUL, Minn. October 29, 2007: When approached by a prospective industry, community leaders are often faced with a tough question: Will the new business produce local jobs that are worth the incentives requested?

Today, the Northwest Area Foundation launched a Web-based tool to help communities get answers. The Wage & Benefits Metric was designed to help users evaluate the quality of jobs a new or existing business brings to a community. Users can determine if the proposed jobs will offer wages and benefits that allow individuals and families to be self-sustaining within the local economy. This metric puts previously hard-to-calculate information a few keystrokes away from community decision makers.

“This metric will help our community better evaluate what the jobs in our community mean in terms of real wages,” said Jean Curtiss, who as president of BitterRoot Economic Development District, Inc. tested the Wage and Benefits Metric in three Montana counties “This will enable us to easily assess our jobs base to determine whether we need to make further efforts to diversify our industries,” added Curtiss, who is also a Missoula County Commissioner.

The Wage & Benefits Metric uses a point-based system that measures income level. Attributes of the proposed jobs, such as pay rates, are entered into the metric, producing a chart with points. The total score determines whether it is a three star job: full-time with benefits; two star: full-time without benefits or part-time with benefits; or a one star: part-time jobs without benefits. That information can then be compared to the county’s median income or the average wage needed to meet basic needs.

In addition to the calculator, the Wage and Benefits Metric can be used to analyze and track trends in community job growth that can be stored in a database for use over time. Users can quickly and easily create presentation-quality charts and tables which can be printed in hardcopy or placed in Power Point presentations.

The Web-based tool includes step-by-step instructions and offers a quick calculator with no login or password requirement for one-time users. No additional software installation is required.

“Many times a community welcomes new industries with the hope and optimism that new jobs will contribute to economic vitality. The Wage & Benefits Metric will help community leaders measure in advance if indeed this company will bring the kind of jobs they are expecting, and if that warrants tax incentives the company may be seeking,” said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, interim president & CEO of the St. Paul-based Northwest Area Foundation.

The Wage and Benefits Metric is being made available to a larger market today after more than two years in development and field-testing by more than 130 organizations and businesses. Testers found the tool had value in helping organizations understand the economic value of jobs in their region.

A project of the Northwest Area Foundation, the Wage and Benefits Metric was coordinated by the Montana Community Development Corporation. The tool can be accessed at www.jobmetric.nwaf.org. For more information and or a demonstration, please contact Chris Allen at Chris@chrisallenassociates.com, 406-370-0780.

The Northwest Area Foundation realizes its mission – helping communities reduce poverty – by supporting strategic efforts within a small number of urban, rural and American Indian communities in: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. These states were serviced by James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railway. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty reduction programs. As of March 31, 2007, the Foundation had assets valued at approximately $500 million. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

Northwest Area Foundation Awards Grant to United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Seattle, WA

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

Focus is on Reducing Poverty, Developing Community Economy

St. Paul, Minn., October 10, 2007- Today the Northwest Area Foundation announced the award of a two-year, $3.5 million grant to the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF) located in Seattle, WA.

UIATF will utilize the funds to implement the "Pathways to Prosperity," project, a holistic community development initiative designed to systematically address the determinants of poverty faced by urban Native American populations. This initiative is a union of in-depth community-based research and cutting edge community development theory.

"We are working from a cultural and spiritual foundation that recognizes poverty as much more than simply a lack of money", states UIATF CEO Phil Lane, Jr. (Yankton Dakota/Chickasaw) "Poverty is many things braided together. It's an interdependent web of social, cultural, political, economic and personal factors that combine to trap families, and whole communities in patterns of ill health, deprivation, and dependency. The only way out of the trap is to truly engage these same families and communities in a journey of learning, healing and building."

"We believe, and experience is demonstrating, that poverty reduction initiatives have greater chance of success if they are owned by the community," said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, interim president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. "We are excited to make this grant and hope other funders and partners will join in this effort to reduce poverty long term."

Key project elements include:
• The BernieWhitebearCenter-a neighborhood-based community development and outreach center providing "one-stop" wrap-around human services.
• The DaybreakStarCollege-providing learning opportunities needed for personal and community transformation.
• Economic development activities assisting Native American individuals, families and groups to succeed in employment, small business development.
• The NorthwestCanoeCenter at South Lake Union-a high-profile Native American cultural and interpretive center that will provide public activities as well as serve as a Native Social Venture business.

"The primary goal of the project is to develop the capacities of our Native American community to get out and stay out of poverty, said Lane. "At the core of this process is a focus on families."

"In the first year, we will begin by focusing on thirty families within our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, who are, by definition, families struggling with raising children in poverty. Our plan is to engage these families in an extended journey of learning, personal growth, social and professional support and expanded opportunities that will assist them to grow into new patterns of living that produces wellness and sustainable prosperity in their lives. In the second year, we will expand to 100 families and extend services to more individuals and families in Seattle's Native American Community," he added.

Janeen Comenote, (Quinault/Hesquiaht/Kwakuitl/Oglala) facilitator of the Seattle's Shelengan Coalition-that conducted the community-based research for this initiative-states, "The work that United Indians is embarking on is timely and critically important to Seattle's Native American community in the path towards self determination and ultimately reflects the voice and needs identified by our own community members."

Native youth and Shelengan Coalition member Ernesto Ortiz (Spokane) said, "My prayer is that through this work we can reach out to all of our relatives and families so that everyone knows that they are not alone."

"Many foundations, our own included, search for initiatives that will bring deep and lasting benefit to families and communities," said Gary Cunningham, Northwest Area Foundation Vice President for Programs and Chief Program Officer. "We also look for communities and organizations that bring both experience and innovative thinking to their efforts. We appreciate both the lessons we've learned in this grant-development process and the opportunity to support UIATF in its important work," said Cunningham.

The funding to UIATF is one of three grants made by the Northwest Area Foundation to help build capacity and programs to reduce poverty among urban Indian populations. The other recipients are the Native American Development Corporation, Billings, Montana and the Native American Youth & Family Center Portland, Oregon.

For detailed information regarding this initiative, including the Executive Summary and full proposal, visit www.unitedindians.org/updates.html

About United Indians of All Tribes Foundation:
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF) is a non-profit, community-based organization with headquarters located at the DaybreakStarIndianCulturalCenter within DiscoveryPark in Seattle. The mission of the Foundation since its inception has been to foster and sustain a strong sense of identity and tradition among Native American people of the area by promoting their economic and social welfare. For more information:www.unitedindians.org or 206-285-4425.

About the Northwest Area Foundation:
The Northwest Area Foundation realizes its mission - helping communities reduce poverty - by supporting strategic efforts within a small number of urban, rural and American Indian communities in: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. These states were services by James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway. Hill's son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs, and expects to invest an estimated additional $75 million within the next two years. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

Northwest Area Foundation Awards Grant to The Native American Development Corporation, Billings, MT

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

To Build Organization’s Ability to Fight Poverty, Build Coalitions

One of Two Grants Announced Today

St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 10, 2007 – Today, the Northwest Area Foundation announced the award of a one-year grant to the Native American Development Corporation, Billings, Montana. It is one of two grants announced today to help build capacity and programs to reduce poverty among urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The other grant was made to the Native American Youth & Family Center, Portland, Oregon.

“We need to build the partnerships and the initiatives that will create lasting poverty reduction among the urban Indian people of Billings, Montana,” said Leonard Smith, executive director of the Native American Development Corporation (NADC). “Persistent poverty is fed by the many broken systems and negative expectations in our society,” said Smith. “This grant gives us the opportunity to develop integrated solutions to reduce poverty and create new pathways to lasting prosperity.”

“We believe, and experience is demonstrating, that poverty reduction initiatives have greater chance of success if communities assume leadership in addressing poverty and intentionally develop the capacity to do so,” said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, Interim President and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF). “We are excited to make this grant and hope other funders and partners will join in this effort to build local capacity to reduce poverty long term.”

NADC will apply its one-year, $350,000 grant to build the organization’s capacity to do work, build relationships, and support the development of and sustainability of a local Native-owned enterprise promoting work-force and micro-enterprise development.

“Many foundations, our own included, search for initiatives that will bring deep and lasting benefit to families and communities,” said Gary Cunningham, NWAF Vice President for Programs and Chief Program Officer. “We also look for communities and organizations that bring experience, innovation, and systemic thinking to their efforts. We appreciate both the lessons we’ve learned in this grant-development process and the opportunity to support NADC in work that sets important foundations for lasting poverty reduction,” he said.

The Native American Development Corporation was established in 1996 to: assist in the creation and operation of reservation based Community Development Corporations, empowering communities towards economic and social stability; create and administer loan funds to finance Indian entrepreneurs and build the economic infrastructure on reservations: provide technical and resource assistance to Indian owned businesses; act as a liaison for state, regional, national and international economic development organizations and agencies to Indian owned businesses in Montana and Wyoming; and provide educational information for tribal governments in economic development and technology.

The Northwest Area Foundation realizes its mission – helping communities reduce poverty – by supporting strategic efforts within a small number of urban, rural and American Indian communities in: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. These states were serviced by James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railway. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs, and expects to invest an estimated additional $75 million within the next two years. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

Northwest Area Foundation Awards Grant to Native American Youth & Family Center, Portland, Oregon

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

Focuses on Reducing Poverty, Developing Community Economy

One of Two Foundation Grants Announced Today

St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 10, 2007 – Today, the Northwest Area Foundation announced the award of a two-year grant to the Native American Youth & Family Center, Portland, Oregon. It is one of two grants announced today to help build capacity and programs to reduce poverty among urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The other grant was made to the Native American Development Corporation of Billings, Montana.

“Poverty wears many faces, and some of those are often hidden from easy view,” said Nichole Maher, executive director of the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA Family Center). “It is also true that the urban Indian community throughout the greater Portland area can enhance its abilities to reduce poverty and build prosperity in ways that are innovative and anchored in our culture,” she said. “This grant boosts opportunities to bring voices, perspectives and partners to the table to create lasting change.”

“We believe, and experience is demonstrating, that poverty reduction initiatives have greater chance of success if communities assume leadership in addressing poverty and intentionally develop the capacity to do so,” said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, Interim President and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “We are excited to make this grant and hope other funders and partners will join in this effort to reduce poverty long term.”

Over the next two years, NAYA will apply the $3.36 million grant to establish a model for sustainable poverty reduction based on a two-pronged approach: enhancing community resources for an integrated set of strategies, and improving advocacy for urban AI/AN poverty reduction. The community resource development will address the lack of low-income housing and the need for effective workforce development.

“Many foundations, our own included, search for initiatives that will bring deep and lasting benefit to families and communities,” said Gary Cunningham, Northwest Area Foundation Vice President for Programs and Chief Program Officer. “We also look for communities and organizations that bring experience, innovation, and systemic thinking to their efforts. We appreciate both the lessons we’ve learned in this grant-development process and the opportunity to support NAYA in work that will benefit generations,” said Cunningham.

The NAYA Family Center’s mission is to enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education.

The Northwest Area Foundation realizes its mission – helping communities reduce poverty – by supporting strategic efforts within a small number of urban, rural and American Indian communities in: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. These states were serviced by James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railway. Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the Foundation in 1934. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty reduction programs, and expects to invest an estimated additional $75 million within the next two years. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

Northwest Area Foundation’s Contribution to the I-35 Bridge Collapse Recovery Efforts

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation has made two grants to help local recovery efforts: one to the American Red Cross-Twin Cities chapter and another to the Minnesota Helps – Bridge Disaster Fund (administered by The Minneapolis Foundation).

If people want to contribute to Minnesota Helps, they can:
- Contribute directly to the local Red Cross Chapter, http://www.givebloodgivelife.org
- Go online to www.MinnesotaHelps.org
- Call Stuart Appelbaum at 612-672-3820
- Go through the websites of the sponsoring organizations: The Minneapolis Foundation (www.minneapolisfoundation.org), The Minnesota Community Foundation (www.mncommunityfoundation.org), The Saint Paul Foundation (www.saintpaulfoundation.org), and Greater Twin Cities United Way (www.unitedwaytwincities.org).

The Northwest Area Foundation cannot accept funds or in-kind donations.

About the Fund
The Minnesota Helps – Bridge Disaster Fund was created in response to an outpouring of concern for and desire to help victims and families and at the request of public officials. The participating foundations include: The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation, The Saint Paul Foundation and the Greater Twin Cities United Way, The Northwest Area Foundation and McKnight Foundation. Moneys collected are pooled and held in the fund, earning interest until distributed. They will be distributed where most needed immediately and in the coming months, i.e., medical treatment, mental health counseling, recovery. Funds will be directed to organizations serving victims, their families and responders. Funds will not be distributed directly to individuals. Funds are not intended to replace government funds or insurance but to supplement in areas where funding falls short of the need.

The Minnesota Helps – Bridge Disaster Fund is Created to Address I-35W Bridge Collapse

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

Local Funders Establish Fund to Receive and Distribute Donations for Immediate and Long-Term Needs

(Twin Cities -- August 6, 2007) The collapse of the I-35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River is a shocking reminder of the fragility of life and how an ordinary, daily routine can turn into tragedy and heartbreak. This disaster, however, also illuminates the generous human impulse to want to help those who have suffered loss. In Minnesota and throughout the nation, people are asking for an opportunity to assist those affected by the disaster. In response, local foundations and organizations have joined together to created the Minnesota Helps – Bridge Disaster Fund to effectively facilitate contributions to disaster relief efforts.

How it works: Contributions to the Fund will be pooled and then allocated jointly by the sponsoring organizations to nonprofits that are providing support to those most affected by this tragedy – both immediately and in the coming months. One hundred percent of all donations will be redistributed to provide financial support where they are urgently needed.

The Minnesota Helps Fund – Bridge Disaster Fund is a collaborative effort of some of the greater metro’s major philanthropic institutions, including The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation, The Saint Paul Foundation and the Greater Twin Cities United Way. The Northwest Area Foundation and McKnight Foundation have also pledged support.

The public can contribute in one of the following ways:
• Go online to www.MinnesotaHelps.org or though the websites of the sponsoring organizations:
The Minneapolis Foundation: www.minneapolisfoundation.org
The Minnesota Community Foundation: www.mncommunityfoundation.org
The Saint Paul Foundation: www.saintpaulfoundation.org
Greater Twin Cities United Way: www.unitedwaytwincities.org

• Mail a check payable to:
Minnesota Helps – Bridge Disaster Fund
800 IDS Center
80 South Eighth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Partners for Prosperity Launches Second Phase Focused on Three Key Strategies – Will be Supported by $3.6 Million

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 CST

Pocatello, Idaho, June 19, 2007 – Now in its fourth year, community-based Partners for Prosperity today begins its second phase as an organization whose purpose it is to help reduce poverty within the 16 counties and the Fort Hall Reservation that it serves. Established in March 2004 through a partnership with the Northwest Area Foundation, the Foundation provides financial and technical assistance during the life of the 10-year partnership.

“The next five years are built around three strategies that will benefit our region for future generations,” said Jessica Sotelo, executive director of P4P. “Our work plan describes how we will create, grow and preserve prosperity – work that requires the energies, perspectives and resources of diverse individuals and organizations. We need the thinking and experiences and support from the towns, rural communities and tribes if we are going to attack poverty at the core, and create opportunities for prosperity that will lift this entire area,” said Sotelo.

“We are very glad to assist Eastern Idaho’s P4P communities as they strengthen and refine their efforts,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Foundation. “Building public and private partnerships to reduce poverty long term can be long and frustrating work,” said Stauber. “We applaud P4P’s persistence and vision to identify the broken systems that promote poverty, and to discover the local assets that will help build on-ramps for opportunity for all community members, and especially those in deepest poverty.”

The partnership’s first phase (2004-2007) was marked by key accomplishments: Transitioning from a planning entity to an implementation organization; marshalling existing resources, building relationships, forming partnerships; an Earned-Income Tax Credit program increased incomes for 1,000 qualifying households; supported an Early Learning Initiative that served hundreds of children; co-sponsored a training program in energy careers with Idaho State University and the Idaho National Laboratory; supported a planned regional Mercado for Latino business owners; and supported a financial education program for children on the Fort Hall Reservation.

Based upon a review of first-phase outcomes and acceptance of a phase-two work plan, the Foundation today released $1.8 million of the phase two allocation for the partnership.

The Partnership was launched with an initial Foundation grant of $1.9 million. The Foundation has committed a total of $11 million to P4P over the 10-year life of the partnership.

With offices in Blackfoot, Idaho, P4P includes the counties of Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Oneida, Power and Teton, and well as the Shoshone and Bannock Tribes.

Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs. It expects to invest an estimated additional $75 million within the next two years, at which time it will have completed its first 10 years of operation under a community-based program model. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

Iowans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*More than half say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard of living needs for a family of four.
*Six in 10 say they know people working two or more jobs who are struggling to make ends meet, and their priority is to help them.
*Seven in 10 say they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet when they vote.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans, including half of all Iowans, perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living-wage jobs, Iowans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. More than one-third of Iowans, 43 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living-wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

Iowans’ steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when 27 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000. The percentage of subprime loans in Iowa with payments late by 60-days or more is at 14.6 percent, compared to 12.4 percent nationally.

The survey found for the second year in a row a majority Iowans say it takes at least $30,000 for a family of four to make ends meet, and more than half, 57 percent, say that it takes at least $40,000 (nearly twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year). The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in Iowa doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity
Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard aren’t prospering. A large majority, 83 percent, say there are some or a lot of people who are working full-time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet in their community. Fifty-seven percent say they know someone who is working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet.

Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. In Iowa, people living in rural areas are more likely than those living in the city or suburbs to report seeing people in their communities struggling to make ends meet. When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in Iowa cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 0%
At least $20,000 11%
At least $30,000 30%
At least $40,000 30%
More than $40,000 27%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

Iowans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. “I have seen elected officials jump in and work on poverty reduction,” said Tom French, Mayor of Alta, Iowa. “The city council backed a successful grant proposal for a housing restoration program, and on a community level, congregations are going to poverty-stricken areas of town and working with people. We have an awareness of poverty and I think we are doing something to address it.”

This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-two percent in Iowa say they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials Iowans place more trust in their local government than Americans as a whole do. Nearly half say they always or almost always trust their local governments to do what is right, compared to just under four in 10 Americans. A vast majority of state residents polled say they believe elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Eighty-eight percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their government officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. More than three-quarters of Iowans, 86 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second at 81 percent.

Helping is a high priority
Many Iowans say it is a priority to help those who are struggling to make ends meet, and most say they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
Iowa 69%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
Iowa 76%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
Iowa 64%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
Iowa 64%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
Iowa 69%

Further, Iowans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. More than three-quarters, 84 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced at least by a little. Ninety-three percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to helping communities reduce poverty for the long term. The Foundation works on strategic efforts with a small number of rural, urban, and American Indian reservation communities, and the organizations supporting these efforts, in its eight-state region: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill established the Foundation. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $193 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs. It expects to invest an estimated additional $75 million within the next two years, at which time it will have completed its first 10 years of operation under a community-based program model. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2 -22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Idahoans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation Survey Reveals:
*More than eight in 10 say it takes at least $30,000 annually to care for a family of four.
*More than half say they know people working full time who are struggling to get by, and their priority is to help them.
*Nearly all Idahoans, 88 percent, say elected officials should work to help those struggling to get by.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans, including more than half of Idahoans, still perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, or lack of access to living wage jobs, Idahoans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those struggling are working full time. More Idahoans than the national average say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet. Fifty-one percent say they cross paths with them, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere, compared to 45 percent nationally.

“This survey shows us that despite an improving national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living-wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling every week and every month.”

Idahoans’ concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when nearly 29 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000. Nearly 9 percent of Idaho workers report holding two or more jobs.

The survey found for the second year in a row a majority of Idahoans, more than eight in 10, have said that it takes at least $30,000 for a family of four to make ends meet. Fifty-five percent agree with the majority of Americans who say it takes at least $40,000, nearly twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444. The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in Idaho doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity
Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard aren’t prospering. Nearly half of Idahoans, 44 percent, say there are a lot of people who are working full-time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet in their community. Fifty-six percent say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet. Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. In Idaho, people living in the city were more likely than those living in the suburbs to report seeing people in their communities struggling to make ends meet.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 1%
At least $20,000 12%
At least $30,000 30%
At least $40,000 32%
More than $40,000 23%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

Idahoans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. "If a family is in an emergency or in need, the community will unite to help them out,” said Jean Bridges, former city council Member, Troy, Idaho. “The unity of the community pulls people through their crises. It's not an ongoing committee – these things happen as the need arises."

This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Sixty-nine percent in Idaho said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most Idahoans, 81 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Eighty-eight percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. Three-quarters of Idahoans, 76 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second. Sixty-eight percent say improving access and reducing healthcare costs are a top or very high priority for local elected officials.

Optimism that neighbors will help
At the same time that many Idahoans report seeing people struggling, a majority feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Many perceive that their neighbors are willing to help those struggling to make ends meet. Idahoans would be more likely than the national average to do at least one of the following items in the future:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
Idaho 75%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
Idaho 76%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
Idaho 69%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
Idaho 62%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
Idaho 65%

Further, Idahoans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to make ends meet. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community. More than a quarter, 28 percent, believes the number of people struggling could be reduced a lot. Half, 53 percent, of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems (always or most of the time).

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Minnesotans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*Two-thirds say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard of living needs for a family of four.
*Half say they know people working two or more jobs who are struggling to make ends meet, and their priority is to help them.
*Nearly all Minnesotans, 90 percent, say it is important for elected officials to help those struggling to make ends meet.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans, including four in 10 Minnesotans, perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living wage jobs, Minnesotans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. More than one-third of Minnesotans, 38 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

Minnesotans’ concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when nearly 22 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000. In the past two years, the number of home foreclosures has increased at double digit rates in urban Hennepin County. That rate is projected to double in the next year. Ramsey County is reporting comparable home foreclosure rates. The percentage of subprime loans in all of Minnesota with payments late by 60-days or more is at 16.8 percent, compared to 12.4 percent nationally.

The survey found for the second year in a row a majority of Minnesotans, nearly seven in 10, said that it takes at least $40,000 for a family of four to make ends meet, nearly twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year. The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in Minnesota doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity
Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard don’t share in the prosperity. One-third of Minnesotans, 33 percent, say there are a lot of people who are working full-time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet in their community. Fifty percent say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet.

“It’s not always the family you think who is in poverty,” said Loren Tusa, Jackson County, Minn. Commissioner. “It could be a senior citizen, or a family too proud to say ‘we are not making ends meet and are living a substandard life.’ Local government can play a small role in helping people out of poverty – these people are my neighbors.” Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. In Minnesota, people living in rural areas and those who are earning less than $35,000 per year are more likely than those living in the city or suburbs to report seeing people in their communities struggling to make ends meet.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in Minnesota cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 1%
At least $20,000 9%
At least $30,000 23%
At least $40,000 30%
More than $40,000 36%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

Minnesotans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-three percent in Minnesota said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most Minnesotans, 83 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Ninety percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. Three-quarters of Minnesotans, 75 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second at 74 percent.

Optimism that neighbors will help
At the same time a majority of Minnesotans feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Many perceive that their neighbors are willing to help those less fortunate. Most Minnesotans say they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help those who are struggling to make ends meet:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
Minnesota 71%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
Minnesota 79%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
Minnesota 66%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
Minnesota 65%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
Minnesota 66%

Further, Minnesotans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community. More than three-quarters, 84 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced. Ninety-four percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Montanans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*One-half say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard of living needs for a family of four.
*Six in 10 see a lot of people struggling to make ends meet.
*More than half say they know people working two or more jobs who are struggling to make ends meet, and their priority is to help them.
*Nearly nine out of 10 say elected officials should work to help those struggling to make ends meet.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals that Montanans are more likely than the rest of the nation to perceive a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet. Sixty percent report “a lot” are struggling, compared to 50 percent of Americans as a whole. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living wage jobs, Montanans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. Slightly more than half of Montanans, 52 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

Montanans’ steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when nearly 32 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000, which surpasses the national average of 26.9 percent earning below $25,000. Nine percent of people in the state report holding two or more jobs, which is nearly double that of the rest of the nation.

The survey found for the second year in a row an overwhelming majority of Montanans, 83 percent, say it takes at least $30,000 for a family to meet basic needs, and more than half agreed with the majority of Americans who say it takes at least $40,000 (twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year). The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in Montana doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard don’t share in the prosperity. Nearly one of every two Montanans, 47 percent, say they know people who are working full-time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet. Nearly two-thirds, 59 percent, say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet.

Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. In Montana, state residents between the ages of 35 and 54 are most likely to know someone working two or more jobs and still struggling to make ends meet.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in Montana cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 1%
At least $20,000 15%
At least $30,000 32%
At least $40,000 31%
More than $40,000 20%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

Montanans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. Nearly half, 49 percent, say helping people struggling to make ends meet is a top priority. This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Sixty-nine percent in Montana said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

“Elected officials should be addressing larger policies that can create strategies for poverty reduction. But they also should be working on a community level with other people, working to create dialogue on poverty. Talking and working together, communities can decide what role community members can play, and what role elected officials can play in poverty reduction,” said Dan Clark, former mayor, Choteau, Mont.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most Montanans, 81 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Eighty-nine percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. More than three-quarters of Montanans, 79 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second at 78 percent.

Montanans willing to help
At the same time a majority of Montanans feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Sixty-one percent of people in the state said they would be very or somewhat likely to pay higher taxes if it would help people in their communities. Most people said they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help those who are struggling to make ends meet:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
Montana 72%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
Montana 74%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
Montana 62%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
Montana 61%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
Montana 64%

Further, Montanans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community. More than three-quarters, 85 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced. Ninety-three percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

North Dakotans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*More than half say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard-of -living needs for a family of four.
*More than a third say they know people working two or more jobs who are struggling to make ends meet, and their priority is to help them.
*Nearly all North Dakotans, 92 percent, say it is important for elected officials to help those struggling to make ends meet.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans, including four in ten North Dakotans, perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living wage jobs, North Dakotans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. Nearly half of North Dakotans, 43 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

North Dakotans’ steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when nearly 30 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000, which surpasses the national average of 26.9 percent earning below $25,000. Ten percent of people in the state report holding two or more jobs, which is nearly double that of the rest of the nation.

The survey found for the second year in a row an overwhelming majority of North Dakotans, 85 percent, say it takes at least $30,000 for a family to meet basic needs, and more than half agreed with the majority of Americans who say it takes at least $40,000 (twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year). The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in North Dakota doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard don’t share in the prosperity. Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. More than a third of North Dakotans, 38 percent, say there are a lot of people who are working full time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet in their communities. More than half, 55 percent, say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in North Dakota cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 1%
At least $20,000 14%
At least $30,000 31%
At least $40,000 31%
More than $40,000 23%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

North Dakotans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Poverty is not necessarily something that you formally get together and discuss,” said Margo Helgerson, mayor,Westhope, North Dakota. “But individually, people see what needs to be done, and they work toward it. Everybody is aware of it. For instance, one employer I spoke to recently says he feels that in order to keep good employees you have to pay them a competitive wage and benefits. You have to pay livable wages, so they are not in poverty in the midst of while they are working.”

This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-three percent in North Dakota said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most North Dakotans, 87 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Ninety-two percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. More than three-quarters of North Dakotans, 82 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second at 74 percent.

Compared to the nation as a whole, North Dakotans have more trust in their local government, are more likely to say elected officials are helping people who are struggling, and are more likely to say their elected leaders would be willing to talk to them about the struggles people are facing.

North Dakotans willing to help
At the same time a majority of North Dakotans feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Sixty-one percent say they would be likely to pay higher taxes if they knew the money would help people in their communities. Most people said they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help those who are struggling to make ends meet:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
North Dakota 73%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
North Dakota 84%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
North Dakota 60%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
North Dakota 61%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
North Dakota 69%

Further, North Dakotans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community, and many who are willing to help. More than three-quarters, 86 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced. Ninety-four percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Oregonians Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*Six in 10 say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard of living needs for a family of four.
*More than half see a lot of people struggling to make ends meet.
*Nearly nine out of 10 say elected officials should work to help those struggling to make ends meet.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals that Oregonians are more likely than the rest of the nation to perceive a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet. Fifty-two percent report “a lot” are struggling, compared to 50 percent of Americans as a whole. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living wage jobs, Oregonians say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. Nearly half of Oregonians, 47 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

Oregonians’ steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when nearly 29 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000, which surpasses the national average of 26.9 percent earning below $25,000.

The survey found for the second year in a row an overwhelming majority of Oregonians, 89 percent, say it takes at least $30,000 for a family to meet basic needs, and more than six in 10, 62 percent, agreed with the majority of Americans who say it takes at least $40,000 (twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year). The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in Oregon doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard don’t share in the prosperity. Nearly one of every two Oregonians, 44 percent, say they know people who are working full time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet. Forty-seven percent say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet.

Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. In Oregon, people living in the rural areas and those earning less than $35,000 per year are most likely to say a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet in their communities.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in Oregon cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 1%
At least $20,000 8%
At least $30,000 27%
At least $40,000 29%
More than $40,000 33%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

Oregonians willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. Nearly half, 48 percent, say helping people struggling to make ends meet is a top priority. This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-two percent in Oregon said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most Oregonians, 77 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Eighty-eight percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. More than three-quarters of Oregonians, 76 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second at 72 percent.

“I don’t think you have a sustainable community unless you can do everything in your power to reduce poverty,” said Nikki Whitty, Coos County, Ore. commissioner. “The gap between the haves and the have-nots is getting bigger every year. For middle and low income people, it can lead to a feeling of despair. We need to do everything we can to help, to make it a more level playing field.”

Oregonians willing to help
At the same time a majority of Oregonians feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Fifty-seven percent of people in the state said they would be very or somewhat likely to pay higher taxes if it would help people in their communities. Most people said they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help those who are struggling to make ends meet:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
Oregon 70%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
Oregon 69%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
Oregon 63%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
Oregon 57%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
Oregon 62%

Further, Oregonians are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community. More than three-quarters, 86 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced. Ninety-two percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for the national results and +/-5.0 points for the state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

South Dakotans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*One-half say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard of living needs for a family of four.
*Nearly half say they know people working two or more jobs who are struggling to make ends meet, and their priority is to help them.
*Those living near or on an American Indian reservation are more likely to see people struggling.
*Nearly all South Dakotans, 94 percent, say it is important for elected officials to help those struggling to make ends meet.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans, including 53 percent of South Dakotans, perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living wage jobs, South Dakotans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. More than half of South Dakotans, 52 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

South Dakotans’ steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when more than 30 percent of all households in the state have an annual income that falls below $25,000, which surpasses the national average of 26.9 percent with and annual income below $25,000. More than nine percent of people in the state report holding two ore more jobs, which is nearly double that of the rest of the nation.

The survey found for the second year in a row an overwhelming majority of South Dakotans, 85 percent, say it takes at least $30,000 for a family to meet basic needs, and half agreed with the majority of Americans who say it takes at least $40,000 (twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year). The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in South Dakota doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard don’t share in the prosperity. Nearly one of every two South Dakotans, 47 percent, say they know people who are working full time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet. Two-thirds, 66 percent, say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet.

“People are beginning to realize that poverty is an issue,” said Kari Fruechte of South Dakota Cooperative Extension. “The way poverty shows itself in South Dakota is not always very clear because people are conditioned to cover it up. People in poverty often look very much like people not in poverty.”

Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. In South Dakota, people living on or near American Indian reservations are more likely to report “a lot” of people struggling to make ends meet.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in South Dakota cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?
At least $10,000 2%
At least $20,000 11%
At least $30,000 35%
At least $40,000 30%
More than $40,000 20%
(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

South Dakotans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-seven percent in South Dakota said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most South Dakotans, 86 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Ninety-four percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. More than three-quarters of South Dakotans, 82 percent, say attracting and keeping well-paying jobs should be a top priority for their elected officials, while healthcare concerns followed as a close second at 75 percent.

South Dakotans willing to help
At the same time a majority of South Dakotans feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Seventy-one percent of people in the state said they would be very or somewhat likely to pay higher taxes if it would help people in their communities. Most people said they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help those who are struggling to make ends meet:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
National 73%
South Dakota 79%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 82%
South Dakota 88%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
National 65%
South Dakota 63%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
National 64%
South Dakota 71%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
National 69%
South Dakota 73%

Further, South Dakotans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community. More than three-quarters, 86 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced. Ninety-six percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for national results and +/-5.0 points for state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Washingtonians Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Study Reveals:
*Seven in 10 say it takes at least $40,000 annually to meet basic standard of living needs for a family of four.
*One-third say they know people working two or more jobs who are struggling to make ends meet, and their priority is to help them.
*Nearly all Washingtonians, 90 percent, say it is important for elected officials to help those struggling to make ends meet.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans, including more than four in 10 Washingtonians, perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, default of subprime loans or lack of access to living wage jobs, Washingtonians say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Many of those facing tough times are working full time. More than a third, 35 percent, say they regularly come into contact with people who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work, or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling, every week and every month.”

Washingtonians’ steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when more than 1.7 million residents in the state live with incomes of below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (or twice the federal government’s poverty threshold of $20.444 for a family of four).

The survey found for the second year in a row an overwhelming majority of Washingtonians, 92 percent, say it takes at least $30,000 for a family to meet basic needs, and more than seven in 10 agreed with the majority of Americans who say it takes at least $40,000 (twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444 per year). The stronger survey results may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s poll. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in Washington doubled from 200 to 400.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, many who are working hard don’t share in the prosperity. Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. One third of Washingtonians, 33 percent, say they know people who are working full time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet. Nearly half, 46 percent, say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet. People who are earning less than $35,000 per year were most likely to say there are a lot of people struggling.

When asked how much a family of four needs each year to meet basic standards of living in their communities, people across the United States and in Washington cited slightly higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?

At least $10,000 1%
At least $20,000 4%
At least $30,000 21% (NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four
At least $40,000 31% in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)
More than $40,000 40%

(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold for a family of four in 2006 was $20,444 per year.)

Washingtonians willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet.

“I am consistently awed and deeply moved by the broad range of individuals who are willing to pitch in and work on issues of poverty,” said Ruth Dickey, executive director of New Futures, a non-profit organization in Burien, Washington that helps families and children. “It really runs the full gamut from individuals and organizations who give generously of their time and talent to organizations and individuals who are willing to open their hearts and their wallets to help nonprofits succeed and create community change.”

This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-one percent in Washington said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet.

Expectations for local elected officials
Most people in Washington, 78 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, nearly all state residents polled say they believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Ninety percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. Nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians, 72 percent, say both attracting and keeping well-paying jobs and attending to healthcare concerns should be top priorities for their elected officials.

Washingtonians willing to help
At the same time a majority of Washingtonians feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. Two-thirds, 68 percent, say they would be likely to pay higher taxes if they knew the money would help people in their communities. Most people said they would be willing to do at least one of the following items to help those who are struggling to make ends meet:

How likely would you be to:

National

Washington

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:

73%

69%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:

82%

69%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:

65%

66%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:

64%

68%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:

69%

63%

Further, people in Washington are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community, and many who are willing to help. More than three- quarters, 87 percent, believe the number of people struggling to make ends meet could be reduced. Ninety-two percent of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems at least some of the time.

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for national results and +/-5.0 points for state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Americans Continue to See Neighbors Struggling to Make Ends Meet – Are Very Concerned – But Remain Hopeful of Improvement

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation National Survey Reveals:
*Seven in 10 say it takes at least $40,000 annually to care for a family of four.
*Nearly half say they regularly cross paths with people who are struggling.
*Half say they know people working full time who are struggling to get by, and their priority is to help them.
*An increasing number say that when heading to the voting booth they will keep in mind the candidate who best helped the poor.
*Perceptions differ in rural, urban and suburban areas.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 30, 2007) – A nationwide survey released today by the Northwest Area Foundation reveals half of Americans still perceive “a lot” of people are struggling to make ends meet, including many who are working full time. Whether it might be plant closings, outsourcing of jobs to other countries, or lack of access to living- wage jobs, Americans say they are aware of their neighbors’ tough grind. Forty-five percent of Americans say they regularly cross paths with people in their communities who are struggling to make ends meet, whether that would be through church, work or elsewhere.

“This survey shows us that despite an improved national economy, there are those who are not prospering,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation, which commissioned the study. “We need to look behind the job growth data to the quality of the jobs available. Americans need living wage jobs in order to meet basic needs, so they’re no longer waging the paycheck-to-paycheck battle that keeps them struggling every week and every month.”

Americans' steady concern about those struggling to make ends meet comes at a time when nearly 27 percent of all households nationwide have an annual income that falls below $25,000, and the percentage of subprime loans with payments late by 60 days or more is at 12.4 percent.

The survey found for the second year in a row a majority of Americans said that it takes at least $40,000 for a family of four to make ends meet, nearly twice the federal poverty threshold of $20,444. This answer was expressed by 69 percent, a five percent increase over last year’s finding. The stronger survey results on poverty may have to do with an increased sample size of this year’s survey. While the number of national interviews remained the same as the 2005 survey, oversamples in each individual state were doubled from 200 to 400.

“Worries about falling into poverty increase with corporate consolidation, the off-shoring and outsourcing of jobs, increasing healthcare costs, disappearing pensions, and the shift to a service economy,” according to the National League of Cities in its book “Tapping the Power of City Hall to Build Equitable Communities: 10 City Profiles.”

At the same time, survey results show that Americans are willing to take personal action to reduce the numbers of people struggling within their communities. They also express confidence in being able to do so.

“I am consistently awed and deeply moved by the broad range of individuals who are willing to pitch in and work on issues of poverty,” said Ruth Dickey, executive director, New Futures, a non-profit organization in Burien, Washington that helps families and children. “It really runs the full gamut from individuals and organizations who give generously of their time and talent, to organizations that are willing to open their hearts and wallets to help nonprofits succeed and create change in the community.”

Americans willing to take action
A majority of respondents say they are willing to do more, pay more and hold elected officials accountable for helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. This year’s survey found a slight six-point increase in the percentage of Americans who say they keep these issues in mind at the voting booth. Seventy-six percent said they think about how well a candidate would help those struggling to make ends meet. Nearly half, 48 percent say helping those struggling to make ends meet in their community is a top priority. For a second year in a row, a majority of Americans say it would be a very good idea if community members got together to discuss ways to help those who are struggling. Seven in 10 say they would be willing to do one of the following: take part in a church project to help those struggling, adopt a family periodically, talk to a local elected official about people’s hard times or even pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would help people in their community.

Hard work doesn’t translate into prosperity
Even in an era of a strong stock market and economic growth, the rising tide is not seen to lift all boats, 79 percent say there are some or a lot of people in their community who are working full time, yet are still struggling to make ends meet. Half say they know people in their communities who are working two or more jobs and are still struggling to get by. Financial difficulties hit people who are living in all geographic areas – rural, urban, small cities and towns. People living in the suburbs were least likely to report seeing people in their communities struggling. Americans without a college degree, those earning less than $75,000 per year and residents in large inner cities and in rural areas are most likely to perceive people are struggling. That is the same demographic group that sees people working full time and still struggling.

While the federal government declares a family of four is impoverished with an income of less than $20,444 per year, the survey found that slightly more Americans this year believe it takes at least $40,000 annually to make ends meet (69 percent vs. 64 percent). When asked how much a family of four needs each year, people across the United States cited higher figures than they did last year: How much income would you say a family of four needs to earn in a year in order to make ends meet in your community?

At least $10,000                  1%
At least $20,000                  6%
At least $30,000                  21%                        (NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold in 2006 for a family
At least $40,000                  28%                        of four is $20,444 per year.)
More than $40,000             41%

(NOTE: U.S. federal poverty threshold in 2006 for a family of four is $20,444 per year.)

Expectations for local elected officials
Most Americans, 77 percent, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in their communities. Yet, they still believe that elected officials hold a key role in improving conditions for all. Ninety percent say it is important for local elected officials to help people who are struggling to make ends meet. The survey shows people have clear priorities for their elected officials: good jobs and access to health care remain high on the list. Three-quarters of Americans, 79 percent, say their top priority for elected officials is attracting and keeping well-paying jobs, while health care concerns followed as a close second. Seventy-six percent say improving access and reducing healthcare costs are a top or very high priority for local elected officials. In addition to healthcare concerns and the need for good-paying jobs, 54 percent of Americans cited affordable housing, and one in five cited better public transportation as high or top priorities.

Local elected officials get high marks for being knowledgeable: a majority of people say their local elected officials are very or somewhat knowledgeable about people’s struggles to make ends meet. Similarly, six in 10 say local officials would be willing to meet with them to talk about ideas for helping people who are struggling.

Americans who are higher educated and satisfied with the way things are going are the most likely to say they think local elected officials are working hard for those who are struggling to make ends meet. People who work more than 40 hours per week and are less satisfied with their communities are more likely to say elected officials are not working hard.

Optimism that neighbors will help
At the same time that many Americans are reporting seeing people struggling, a majority feels the number of people going through hard times can be reduced. This optimism may stem from the belief that there are many capable people with valuable skills in the community. Half of the public says their community is effective in dealing with this problem.

Many perceive that their neighbors are willing to help those less fortunate. In fact, seven out of 10 said they would be “very likely” to do at least one of the following items in the future:

How likely would you be to:

Join with others in your community to discuss ways to help those struggling to make ends meet:
Likely 73%
Not Likely 26%

Take part in a church project to help people struggling to make ends meet:
Likely 82%
Not Likely 17%

Adopt a family in need to help them from time to time:
Likely 65%
Not Likely 32%

Pay $50 more a year in taxes if it would go to programs in your own community that help people struggling to make ends meet:
Likely 64%
Not Likely 32%

Talk to elected officials in your community about people’s struggle to make ends meet:
Likely 69%
Not Likely 29%

Further, Americans are optimistic about the ability of people in their communities to reduce the number of people who are struggling to get by. A quarter, 25 percent, believes the number of people struggling could be reduced a lot. Half (51 percent) of respondents say their community effectively deals with local problems (always or most of the time).

The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners (LRP) to conduct a national tracking survey to explore the public’s perception of poverty in one’s own community, attitudes toward the roles of local elected officials, and ways in which to address the issue. The survey was conducted among 4,000 Americans age 18 and older, from March 2-22, 2007. A total of 800 interviews were conducted nationally, and oversamples of 400 were conducted in each of the following eight states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oversamples were weighted down to reflect their true proportion in the country. The margin of error is +/-3.5 percentage points for national results and +/-5.0 points for state results. This is the second survey of its kind, replicating a study Northwest Area Foundation and LRP conducted in December 2005.

Communities are Looking for Ways to Reduce Local Poverty -- A New Online Store may Help Them Find the Practical Strategies and Tools They Need

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

NWAF Solutions Depot invites users to help “stock the shelves” with tested solutions

ST. PAUL, Minn. April 29, 2007: The Northwest Area Foundation today launched the NWAF Solutions Depot, an online Website where communities can go to search for and share practical strategies and tools that will help communities reduce poverty for the long term. This site is designed to grow, drawing from a broad pool of tested- but not easily located – case studies, online calculators, data bases, publications, how-to manuals, plans and tools already at work in communities all across the country.

“We’re committed to helping communities in their efforts to reduce poverty and build opportunities for prosperity for all,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “This online store is one way to provide communities everywhere with greater access to ‘what’s working.’ Communities can come to this Website and find ideas they can examine, and replicate in part or in whole: they won’t have to re-invent the wheel,” said Stauber.

“We really hope that funders, nonprofits, governmental agencies and communities throughout this country will use this site to help reach more communities with their success stories, and with the approaches and tools they’ve developed and tested,” Stauber added.

Web site interactivity will make it easy for visitors to: find possible solutions to their community challenges, and to submit candidate solutions for the online store. For example, users can search by category or they can use the site’s search engine to find what they need. The home page also invites users to click on “Share what’s working” to recommend a strategy, tool or case study – in PDF format or as a Web link.

NWAF Solutions Depot can help locate solutions from a wide range of sources. It can be a useful resource for those who are seeking to build their local economy, develop community resources and strengths, create living wage jobs, affordable housing, better access to healthcare and better education. The online store can provide answers to communities that have questions about the complex nature of poverty reduction. Some products can be mail-ordered for a nominal cost. Others may be downloaded for free.

The Northwest Area Foundation unveiled the NWAF Solutions Depot at the Council on Foundations Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington. To access this site for poverty reduction tools and products or to share a proven strategy log on at: www.NWAF-Solutionsdepot.org.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to helping communities reduce poverty for the long term. The Foundation works on strategic efforts with a small number of rural, urban, and American Indian reservation communities, and the organizations supporting these efforts, in its eight-state region: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill established the foundation. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $163million in community-based poverty-reduction programs. It expects to invest at least an additional $75 million within the next two years, which will complete its first ten-year cycle operating under the poverty reduction mission. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

-END-

Rural Communities From Seven States Take Bold Steps to Fight Poverty

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

162 Communities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington Embrace the Horizons Community Leadership Program

St. Paul, January 15, 2007: Communities in seven states from Minnesota to Washington and with poverty rates ranging from 10 – 94 percent have signed up for a program that will give them the chance to reverse economic and social decline and move to hope and prosperity. These 162 rural communities, all with populations of 5,000 or fewer, are enrolled in the Horizons program, an 18-month effort focused on community leadership development to reduce poverty. The recently completed pilot of this program showed that when communities have stronger leadership, they are better equipped to confront the core causes of poverty and move to action to increase opportunities for all community members.

“These communities are saying ‘Yes, we can fight back. We can reduce poverty.’ By working together, by owning the problem, and creating strategic solutions, communities can make dramatic changes,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A unique aspect of the program is that it is delivered directly into communities by respected, regional organizations. These include the extension services of the Universities of Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana State, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Washington State, and Sitting Bull College in North Dakota. Two national partners also lend their expertise around community decision-making and leadership development. All of the partners help to bring resources, training, and coaching to rural and reservation community members.

Local delivery helps Horizons meet a goal of recruiting and including as many community members as possible in efforts that will yield lasting change. The program leads community members through a four-phase process in which they implement steps that help them understand poverty and take action to reduce it. Communities that were involved in the program’s pilot saw striking results:
• Bridgeport, Washington learned how new people and new ideas can revitalize a community. They have embraced the skills and talents of new Latino immigrants who now make up nearly 80% of the population. New jobs are being created and new leaders are emerging.
• Isabel, South Dakota learned it couldn’t just wish it to retain its younger generation. It took action to reverse outward migration by improving options for housing, daycare, and jobs that would enable more young families to stay in town.
• Jackson, Minnesota found that a community visioning process with 500 people working together generated big change. A powerful shared vision has allowed business, government, and non-profits to align their efforts more effectively; in less than a year they spruced up the business district and expanded the industrial park.

“We’ve learned that communities are ready to move forward,” said Jean Burkhardt, Horizons program lead at Northwest Area Foundation. “We’ve seen that they can move from despair to hope and from stagnation to action when provided with just a little help. We are very excited to be working with 162 communities that represent the wonderful diversity of rural America – mining, agriculture, timber and American Indian reservation communities,” she said.

By the end of 2008, The Northwest Area Foundation will have supported the delivery of approximately $100,000 of technical assistance to each of the nearly 200 rural communities that have been or are currently involved in the Horizons program.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to helping communities reduce poverty for the long term. The Foundation works on strategic efforts with a small number of rural, urban, and American Indian reservation communities, and the organizations supporting these efforts, in its eight-state region: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill established the Foundation. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $150 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs. It expects to invest at least an additional $50 million within the next three years. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

Yellowstone Public Radio Receives Two-Year Grant to Increase In-Depth Coverage About Poverty and its Solutions

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 00:00:00 CST

Northwest Area Foundation Grants Aim to Boost Regional Newsroom Capacity

St. Paul, Minn., April 19, 2006 – “Poverty is not a simple issue,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “And as much as newsrooms might want to investigate its many causes, faces and solutions, most find themselves competing for scarce resources,” he said. “We decided to make grants to four public radio stations in our eight-state service region, which includes Montana, because we wanted these very credible newsrooms to have the means needed to increase the number of in-depth stories that can make a real difference in the lives of their listeners.”

"We're delighted to receive this grant from Northwest Area Foundation," says Yellowstone Public Radio News Director Jackie Yamanaka. In addition to producing feature-length stories, YPR is also planning on hosting public forums and call-in programs with our media partners to discuss the various facets of poverty. "We want to provide an opportunity for dialogue and input from our communities on this complex issue," says Yamanaka. "The stories and 'live' programs all expand on the station's mission to help our listeners across Montana and northern Wyoming better understand the issues that affect their quality of life and the quality of life of their neighbors."

Yellowstone Public Radio is one of four public radio stations to receive this type of support. YPR’s $60,000 grant covers March 2006 to late March 2008. Montana Public Radio also received a similar grant in March. Minnesota Public Radio and Seattle Public Radio are each in the second year of their two-year grant periods.

The Foundation’s requirement is that the newsrooms develop and broadcast feature-length stories over the two-year period. Each radio station will accomplish this a bit differently given the size of newsroom staff, its organizational structure and the culture of the area served. A fundamental premise is that each news department maintains editorial control over all of its coverage and content. “Our funding assists only with the capacity to do work,” said Stauber. “We will be very interested to hear the stories YPR develops in the months to come,” he said.

Since 1999, the Foundation has invested approximately $150 million in community-based poverty-reduction programs. It expects to invest at least an additional $50 million within the next three years. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.

The Northwest Area Foundation and the City of St. Paul Partner to Boost Flow of Apprentices Into the Local Construction Trades

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 9, 2006) – The Northwest Area Foundation today committed a $150,000 challenge grant to help the City of St. Paul and local partners boost the pipeline of people prepared to enter the construction trades locally. Funds will seed the Apprenticeship Opportunity Pilot Project (AOPP). The city must raise a balance of $80,000 to launch the initiative. AOPP will provide opportunity for people to enter living-wage, career-ladder jobs in St. Paul and the surrounding area. AOPP will benefit people faced with poverty, historically low-wages, and diminished access to working in the construction trades.

AOPP is designed to strengthen bonds between existing programs and to strengthen public sector policies that advance the utilization of apprentices on construction projects. AOPP resources, time and money, will be used support:
• Dedicated staff to conduct outreach and make referrals to existing programs.
• Dedicated staff to mentor people placed on construction sites.
• Data collection on apprentices across programs.
• The exchange of information and ideas across programs.

AOPP also includes a policy objective to have the City of St. Paul enact a utilization requirement to employ apprentices on construction projects receiving public sector funds.

This initiative got started when the Northwest Area Foundation sponsored the travel of eight local representatives to Seattle, Washington where that city operates a successful apprenticeship program. This group included representatives from the City of St. Paul, Saint Paul City Council, Ramsey County, St. Paul Building Trades, The YWCA St. Paul, the St. Paul NAACP, Saint Paul College and the Northwest Area Foundation.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to helping communities reduce poverty for the long term. It does this by identifying, sharing and advocating for practical strategies and tools developed or gathered from its programs, and from the work of other communities and organizations. The Foundation provides financial resources and technical assistance that help communities create a climate and build the capabilities to achieve: asset identification and development; expanded economic opportunities that create living-wage jobs; increased community skills for planning, teaching, leading and implementing poverty reduction initiatives; and decision making that incorporates the voice and vote of broad segments of the community, including those of people in poverty.

The Foundation works on strategic efforts with a small number of rural, urban, and American Indian reservation communities, and organizations supporting these efforts, in its eight-state region: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill established the Foundation. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested about $150 million to support its programs. It expects to invest at least another $50 million within the next three years.