Northwest Minnesota Foundation shares 2020 financial impacts during State of the Foundation event During a State of the Foundation event held Tuesday, officials from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation shared how the organization carried on with regular initiatives while also providing support as the coronavirus pandemic hit. 12:22 pm, Feb. 5, 2021 × Northwest Minnesota Foundation President and CEO Karen White described the organization as a house with two sides. One is focused on philanthropic initiatives while the other has several programs dedicated to areas of need. Submitted screenshot. BEMIDJI -- The Northwest Minnesota Foundation began in troubling times and this past year it had to go back to its roots and once again help communities through immense issues.