# Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF)

> The Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) is a private foundation based in St. Paul, Minnesota, that funds work advancing racial, social, and economic justice across eight states and 76 Native nations in the northwestern United States. The foundation stands alongside changemakers in its region and supports organizations that reimagine and restructure unjust systems so communities can thrive on their own terms.

## About

- [About NWAF](https://www.nwaf.org/about/): Overview of the foundation's mission, vision, values, and regional scope.
- [History](https://www.nwaf.org/about/history/): Background on the foundation's origins, including its connection to the Great Northern Railway family.
- [Wealth Acknowledgment](https://www.nwaf.org/about/wealth-acknowledgment/): The foundation's acknowledgment of its historical wealth sources.
- [Values](https://www.nwaf.org/about/#our-values/): Core organizational values including Social Justice, Courage, Grantees Come First, Listen and Learn for Change, Trust, and Heart.
- [Financials](https://www.nwaf.org/about/nwaf-financials/): Financial information and reports.
- [Staff](https://www.nwaf.org/staff/): Directory of foundation staff.
- [Board](https://www.nwaf.org/about/board/): Board of directors.
- [FAQs](https://www.nwaf.org/about/faqs/): Frequently asked questions about the foundation.
- [Policies](https://www.nwaf.org/about/policies/): Organizational policies.

## Approach

- [Approach Overview](https://www.nwaf.org/approach/): How NWAF supports organizations that lead with courage, wisdom, and vision to advance long-overdue systemic change.
- [Priority Communities](https://www.nwaf.org/approach/priority-communities/): Focus on Native Americans, communities of color, immigrants and refugees, and people in rural areas.
- [Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion](https://www.nwaf.org/approach/justice-equity-diversity-inclusion/): NWAF's organization-wide JEDI journey and commitments.
- [Native-Led Work](https://www.nwaf.org/approach/native-led-work/): Support for Native American-led organizations and self-determination efforts.
- [Native CDFIs](https://www.nwaf.org/approach/native-cdfis/): Investment in Native Community Development Financial Institutions.
- [Impact Investing](https://www.nwaf.org/approach/impact-investing/): Use of endowment assets for investments that address capital gaps supporting social change; targeting $60–80 million deployed by 2030.

## Our Grantmaking

- [Grantmaking Overview](https://www.nwaf.org/our-grantmaking/): Summary of how NWAF funds organizations advancing social, racial, and economic justice.
- [Grant Search](https://www.nwaf.org/our-grantmaking/grant-search/): Searchable database of grants awarded.
- [Grant Listings](https://www.nwaf.org/our-grantmaking/grant-listing/): Full list of grants.
- [Current Grantees](https://www.nwaf.org/our-grantmaking/current-grantees/): Organizations currently receiving funding.
- [For Grantseekers](https://www.nwaf.org/our-grantmaking/for-grantseekers/): Information and guidance for organizations seeking grants.

## Engage & News

- [Engage](https://www.nwaf.org/engage/): Ways to connect with and support NWAF's mission.
- [News & Insights](https://www.nwaf.org/news-and-insights/): Articles, updates, and stories about grantees, community impact, and foundation news.
- [President's Corner](https://www.nwaf.org/topic/presidents-corner/): Commentary and reflections from NWAF's president/CEO.

## Contact & Additional Resources

- [Contact Us](https://www.nwaf.org/contact-us/): General inquiries. Phone: (651) 224-9635. Address: 60 Plato Blvd. E., Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55107.
- [Media Inquiries](https://www.nwaf.org/contact-us/#media-inquiries): Press and media contact information.
- [Job Opportunities](https://www.nwaf.org/job-opportunities/): Open positions at the foundation.
- [Accessibility](https://www.nwaf.org/accessibility): Accessibility statement.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.nwaf.org/privacy-policy/): How NWAF handles personal data.

## Key Facts

- **Full Name**: Northwest Area Foundation
- **Founded**: Connected to the Great Northern Railway family legacy
- **Headquarters**: St. Paul, Minnesota
- **Region**: Eight states — Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa — plus 76 Native nations sharing the same geography
- **Mission**: Fund work that leads to racial, social, and economic justice
- **Vision**: People of priority communities thriving on their own terms
- **Impact Investing Goal**: ~$60–80 million deployed by 2030
- **Social Media**: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestArea) | [Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/nwafound) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nwafound/) | [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwest-area-foundation/)