Community Action Duluth

What Community Action Duluth does

Community Action Duluth is a Duluth, Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1965, operating as part of the national Community Action Agency network to deliver integrated anti-poverty programming across St. Louis County. Its portfolio spans seven core service lines: Coaching/Financial Opportunity Center services (including FAIM matched savings and Common Cents financial education), a Free Tax Site providing IRS-certified VITA tax preparation, a Transportation Program (driver's license assistance, JumpStart affordable car loans, Car Repair, and the BikePlus free bike distribution), MNsure/SNAP Benefits Navigation with walk-in sessions across Duluth, Education Programs (GED tutoring, CNA certification), Job Training (Community Construction, Duluth Stream Corps, Bridge to Employment for MFIP participants), and Food Access initiatives (Mobile Market refrigerated van, Lincoln Park and Central Hillside Farmers Markets, Deep Winter Greenhouse, and Seeds of Success). Service delivery is entirely free to participants, except the Mobile Market which sells produce and staples at affordable prices and accepts EBT. The technical stack is intentionally minimal and non-proprietary: a Wix-hosted website, Constant Contact for email, Avochato for SMS, Local Line for Mobile Market pre-order e-commerce, and TaxAct/OLT as linked tax software alternatives.

Revenue derives from grants (federal, state, and local), individual and corporate donations, and small earned revenue from Mobile Market grocery sales. Funded by sources such as LISC (Financial Opportunity Center network), Otto Bremer Trust, the City of Duluth, and a broad set of local corporate sponsors for the farmers markets. Operationally the organization is governed by a tripartite board (elected officials, participants, community members), led by Executive Director Classie Dudley with a Deputy Director and function-specific directors overseeing Workforce Programs, Human Resources, and Participant Services, plus a roster of program managers, coaches, and specialists executing across sites.

The go-to-market motion is community-led and place-based: the organization relies on physical presence at its headquarters, two farmers markets, a refrigerated van route, walk-in benefits sessions at the Government Services Center and Duluth Public Library, the Damiano Center, and partner-hosted community centers to reach low-income households; digital channels (website, Facebook, monthly email newsletter) supplement in-person outreach. Programs are designed to function as a coordinated pipeline — Financial Opportunity Center coaching connects participants across tax preparation, food access, education, transportation, and workforce services — and outcomes include 1,762 individuals served in FY2021, 1,525 families claiming ~$2.9M in tax refunds, $100,000+ in free food distributed via Seeds of Success, 2,110 home deliveries, and supportive certifications issued through WITC and state-recognized credentialing bodies in 2024.

Name

Community Action Duluth

Legal name

Community Action Duluth

Website

https://communityactionduluth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community Action Duluth is a 1965-founded Duluth, Minnesota nonprofit that delivers free anti-poverty programs — coaching, IRS-certified tax preparation, transportation, education, job training, and food access — to low-income individuals and families across St. Louis County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Food Services (624210), Community Housing Services (62422), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO), Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB), Volunteerism, Service-Learning & Community Service (EDALAHAG)

Keywords

• Poverty alleviation services
• Community action programs
• Free tax preparation
• Food access programs
• Workforce development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Duluth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Grants and Donations: As a nonprofit organization, Community Action Duluth generates revenue primarily through grants from government agencies, foundations, and individual donations. The organization operates numerous programs funded by federal, state, and local grants targeting poverty elimination and community development.
2. Community Support: Revenue generated through donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners during events like Community Action Month, farmer's market sponsorships, and general fundraising campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Community Action Duluth is a nonprofit organization that provides a portfolio of interconnected anti-poverty programs for low-income individuals and families in Duluth, Minnesota. Core offerings include financial coaching and matched savings (FAIM), free IRS-certified tax preparation, transportation assistance (driver's license, car loans, repairs, BikePlus), SNAP/MNsure benefits navigation, GED/CNA/financial literacy education, transitional job training (Community Construction, Stream Corps), and food access through the Mobile Market refrigerated van and seasonal farmers markets with EBT matching.

Product overview

Community Action Duluth operates as a multi-service nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs designed to eliminate poverty through holistic support. The core offerings include Coaching/Financial Opportunity Center services (FAIM savings, Common Cents education), Free Tax Site (IRS-certified VITA tax preparation), Transportation Program (Drive, JumpStart, BikePlus, Car Repair), MNsure/SNAP Benefits Navigation, Education Programs (GED, CNA, financial education), Job Training (Community Construction, Stream Corps), and Food Access initiatives (Mobile Market, two Farmers Markets, Deep Winter Greenhouse, Seeds of Success). These programs are designed to work together as a coordinated support system, with Financial Opportunity Center coaching serving as a unifying framework that connects participants across multiple services to build sustainable careers and financial stability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Coaching / Financial Opportunity Center

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,762 individuals served in fiscal year 2021 through various programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core and support.

• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISC supports the Financial Opportunity Center network that Community Action Duluth participates in. FOCs weave financial coaching, career development, and income support services together to help community members build family-sustaining careers and achieve financial goals.
• Green New Deal HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining partner for Community Construction program. Participants completed Laying the Groundwork for Sustainable Housing training modules covering health and environmental impacts of houses, building science, and integrated design.
• Junior League of DuluthsupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on building the Deep Winter Greenhouse, a passive solar growing system that allows year-round food production for Mobile Market and local food shelves.
• City of DuluthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Deep Winter Greenhouse project and Duluth Stream Corps tree planting initiative. Collaborates on community development and environmental initiatives.
• Zeitgeist Center for Arts and CommunitysupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Deep Winter Greenhouse project as part of the community partnership for innovative food growing systems.
• Wagner Zaun ArchitecturesupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Deep Winter Greenhouse project enabling passive solar food growing system.
• Duluth Community Garden ProgramsupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerShares location with Deep Winter Greenhouse. The greenhouse is on the back half of the lot while Denfeld Victory Garden and Edible Food Forest occupy the front half.
• Ecolibrium3coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Mobile Market initiative, collaborating on food access solutions for Duluth neighborhoods.
• Duluth Children's MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating organization for Mobile Market launch and Stone Soup initiative at the kick-off party.
• Whole Foods Co-opsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLincoln Park Holiday Farmer's Market sponsor providing free soup to market attendees and supporting community food access events.
• Essentia HealthsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor and location provider. Hosts Central Hillside Farmer's Market at Essential Health parking lot across from 503 E 3rd St.
• North Shore Federal Credit UnionsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting local food access initiatives in Duluth.
• Park State BanksupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting community food access programs.
• DBS Residential SolutionssupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting local food access initiatives.
• Duluth Whole Foods CoopsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting community food access.
• North Shore BanksupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting local food access.
• Northern Communities Credit UnionsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting community food access programs.
• Optimum Energy GroupsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting local food access initiatives.
• Real Estate Services of DuluthsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting community food access programs.
• Renovant FitnesssupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarmer's Market sponsor supporting local food access.
• ISD 709 / Duluth Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for GED classes - provides certified Adult Basic Education instructors. Classes offered in partnership with ISD 709 at Community Action Duluth location.
• WE Health CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner navigator providing weekly walk-in sessions around Duluth alongside other navigators for MNsure and SNAP enrollment assistance.
• Lake Superior Community Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner navigator organization providing weekly walk-in sessions for benefits navigation including MNsure and SNAP enrollment.
• Hunger SolutionssupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided SNAP policy brief explaining Minnesota's income guideline changes to 200% FPG, helping Community Action navigators understand and communicate changes to community members.
• Minnesota Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Duluth Stream Corps initiative, collaborating on tree planting efforts in Fond du Lac neighborhood as part of Coastal Wetland Forest Restoration for Birds Initiative.
• City of Duluth (Stream Corps)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Duluth Stream Corps on tree planting initiatives. City handles monitoring and maintenance through Duluth Natural Areas Program after two-year planting project.
• Duluth HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Community Construction program. Participants learn hands-on skills by remodeling homes for the Duluth HRA.
• WITC (Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College)supportStrategic or Co-development PartnerIssues Technical Certificates in Carpentry to Community Construction program graduates.
• MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBridge to Employment program works with parents enrolled in MFIP through St. Louis County office to assist with employment, education, and other goals.
• Benedictine Health CentersupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical training site for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course - students complete clinicals at this facility.
• SAWW (Safety and Health Workshop)supportStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides certification for Stream Corps participants in chainsaw operation and other job-specific skills.
• Frontier PrecisionsupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides GPS/GIS technology certification for Stream Corps participants.
• MN Department of AgriculturesupportStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides pesticide application certification for Stream Corps participants.
• Upper Lakes Food DistributionsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood source for Mobile Market, providing produce, dairy, canned and dry goods.
• AldisupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood source for Mobile Market providing affordable groceries for distribution in food deserts.
• Sam's ClubsupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood source for Mobile Market supporting affordable food distribution.
• Lincoln Park Businesses (Community Action Month)supportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal businesses including Bent Paddle Brewing, Corktown Deli & Brews, Duluth Grill, Flora North, Goat Hill Marketplace, JS Print Group, Love Creamery, OMC Smokehouse, Ursa Minor Brewing - participate in Community Action Month fundraising and awareness.
• Lincoln Park Community CentersupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobile Market location partner, hosting weekly market visits at the center attached to MidTowne Manor apartment complex.
• Good Fellowship Community CentersupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobile Market location partner serving Morgan Park neighborhood.
• YMCA Community CentersupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobile Market location partner serving Harbor Highlands neighborhood.
• CHUM Warming CentersupportChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRecipient of Lincoln Park hat, glove, and boot drive donations from farmers market community drive.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Community Action Partnership: National umbrella organization for over 1,000 Community Action Agencies including Community Action Duluth. Comparable in mission (eliminating poverty through coordinated services) and provides the national policy and funding backbone that the Duluth agency depends on.
• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): National community development financial institution and partner network. Community Action Duluth operates as a Financial Opportunity Center under the LISC framework, making LISC the strategic peer for the FOC integrated services model.

Direct peers

• CHUM (Congregations United in Community Ministry): Duluth-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter, food, and social services to people experiencing poverty and homelessness. Directly comparable target population (low-income Duluth residents) and overlapping services including food distribution and benefits navigation.
• Damiano Center: Duluth social services nonprofit where Community Action Duluth's BikePlus program operates. Provides meals, shelter, and support services to people in poverty in the same geography, making it the closest direct peer in target population and service mix.
• Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank: Regional food bank serving northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin including Duluth. Comparable in addressing food insecurity through distribution networks; supplies and partners with Community Action Duluth's Mobile Market.
• United Way of Northeastern Minnesota: Regional United Way affiliate funding and coordinating anti-poverty programs in the same Duluth/St. Louis County geography. Comparable in funder role and convening of nonprofit partners addressing poverty.
• Salvation Army Duluth: Provides emergency assistance, food, housing, and social services in Duluth. Comparable in serving low-income and homeless populations across multiple integrated program lines in the same geography.
• Lake Superior Community Health Center: Federally qualified health center providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services to underserved populations in Duluth. Comparable in serving low-income Duluth residents and partnering with Community Action Duluth on benefits navigation.

Regional players

• Hunger Solutions Minnesota: Statewide anti-hunger organization that has provided policy guidance to Community Action Duluth's SNAP navigators. Comparable in mission focus on food access but operates at state advocacy level rather than direct service.

Emerging players

• Generations Health Care Initiatives: Duluth-based nonprofit focused on community health and social determinants of health in the Twin Ports region. Comparable in addressing upstream social determinants (poverty, food access) affecting community health outcomes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/communityactionduluth
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-action-duluth-inc.

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Action Duluth