The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) is a collaboration of community organizations whose mission is to build a culture of achievement in North Minneapolis to assure all youth graduate from high school college-ready. The NAZ model is a two-generational approach that offers services simultaneously to children and their parents. This annual report details the findings and accomplishments over five years as a Promise Neighborhood.

With over half of jobs now requiring a postsecondary credential, college completion has never been more important. Yet it remains elusive for too many students -- especially students from low-income backgrounds, students of color and first-generation students. For 50 years, Great Lakes has focused on helping traditionally underserved students who have the most to gain from a college education -- yet often have the least support in getting there -- make their way to and through college. Our 2015 report highlights the three distinct and purposeful funding approaches we use in pursuit of this goal and details several grants we made over the past year.

Great Lakes 2014 philanthropy report details a $28.6 million commitment in grant funding over the past year to close the college completion gap faced by students of color, low-income students and first-generation students. The report highlights a variety of grants made to colleges, universities, community-based organizations and research initiatives that demonstrate promising approaches to getting more students to and through college. Great Lakes aims to learn which ideas will help the most students achieve the greatest results.

Great Lakes 2013-2014 philanthropy report details record $21 million in commitments. This past year Great Lakes dramatically increased its funding to help more students from low-income households, students of color, and students who are the first in their families attend and complete college. For the 2013-2014 academic year our commitments total $21 million, and are in excess of $100 million since 2006. This report tells more about our approach to philanthropy and the work we do to move more students toward college completion.

Contains letter from the president, 2010 program highlights with links to program information, grantee and partner profiles, financial summary, investment commentary, lists of Bush Fellows, and lists of board members and staff.

Contains 2011 grants list in affordable housing, education, health and human services and other issue areas; grantee photographs; and financial statements.

Contains 2010 grants list in the areas of affordable housing, education, health and human services, and religion; grantee and event photographs; and financial statements.