About the

Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation

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Founded in 1975, the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation expands opportunities for people and communities on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We do this through intentional giving, a commitment to place, and working with people to make this region and its future better for everyone.

Since establishing formal operations in 2007, the Foundation has awarded more than $18M in grants and $1M in scholarships.

Our Vision

Our Values

Our Vision

People and communities on the North Shore are vibrant, vital, and valued, where every person has the opportunity to live, work, and flourish.

Our Values

The Power of Place: We seek to honor the history of the North Shore and act with integrity and respect for people’s cultures, traditions and beliefs.
Education: We have seen and believe that education can transform lives and in doing so transform families and communities.
Relationships: We understand the power of partnering, we know the importance of active listening and responding to the diverse needs of the North Shore.
Stewardship: We are intentional with the foundation’s resources, as well as the valuable and vital human and natural resources of the North Shore.
A Just and Equitable Region: We will direct our resources where needed and work to reduce barriers to ensure that all people and communities have the opportunity to flourish.

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Our History

Lloyd K. Johnson, founder of the Foundation was born and raised in Grand Marais Minnesota. Graduating from Cook County High School in 1925, Mr. Johnson went on to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, Mr. Johnson returned to the Grand Marais area accepting the position of Cook County Attorney. During this time, Mr. Johnson also began a successful real estate business with his uncle. Mr. Johnson then moved to Duluth Minnesota and with a partner began a law firm as well as a number of other businesses including the well-known and highly successful Superwood Corporation. In 1975, Mr. Johnson and his first wife Marion began the Lloyd K. and Marion Johnson Foundation awarding small grants primarily in Cook County as well as the Duluth area. Following Marion’s death in 1992, the Foundation’s name was changed to the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation and annually provided funding to a number of projects in the Cook County and Duluth area. With Mr. Johnson’s passing in March of 2006, the Board of Directors of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation made the decision to hire its first Executive Director and to develop the Foundation’s grant making capacity towards significantly improving the quality of life for those living on the North Shore of Minnesota in the communities of Cook, Lake and southern St. Louis County.

Mr. Johnson loved the North Shore area, particularly Cook County where he was born and raised, and is remembered by those who knew him as a loyal friend, a man of great intellect, exceptional analytical skills, a good steward of his resources and a man of vision.