The Northland Foundation is a regional foundation created in 1986 to address the economic, social and human needs in the seven counties of northeastern Minnesota. Northland has been engaged in business financing since 1988. Program investment activities of Northland are carried out through several loan programs and a grant program. In particular, the Asset Building Loan Fund provides business loans up to $500,000 to businesses that are both creditworthy and meet certain social goals that extend beyond basic employment outcomes.