The Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust provides grant funding to support tax-exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs located in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The Trust focuses on enhancing workforce development by prioritizing programs of study that can produce qualified candidates for key regional industries, particularly forestry and aircraft maintenance.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations or government-affiliated vocational, technical, or trade school programs operating within the specified geographic region. The Trust aims to strengthen the local economy by supporting educational programs that align with the workforce needs of prominent industries in the area. Applications must be submitted through the Trust’s online portal.

Applications are accepted year-round but must be received by May 5 to be considered at the Trust’s annual grant meeting held by June. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email upon submission, and grant decisions are typically communicated approximately two months after the grant meeting. The foundation does not specify an award amount range, number of grants available, or require matching funds.

While there are no broader geographic limitations, the Trust strongly prioritizes organizations serving northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin communities and prefers programs tied to workforce readiness in regional sectors. There is no funding available for individual applicants, and grants are exclusively awarded to qualified institutions.