2026 Community Health Grant Process
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is shifting to a more relationship-centered grantmaking process in 2026. Our goal is simple: less paperwork, more conversation.
A Conversation-First Approach
Instead of submitting a full written application, applicants will:
- Review a list of guiding questions
- Complete a project budget using our template
- Schedule a required meeting with Executive Director Kassi Huotari to talk through your project and the guiding questions together.
Your meeting will be the heart of the application process. This allows us to better understand your work, ask thoughtful questions, and build stronger relationships with organizations across the Gogebic Range.
No Long Narrative Forms
We’ve replaced lengthy written responses with a guided discussion. After meeting with you, Kassi will prepare a summary for the Grant Committee to review along with your budget.
A Clear Timeline
- March 2026: Review questions, complete budget, schedule a meeting, and meet with Kassi
- April 2026: Grant Committee review
- May 2026: Award notifications
What Stays the Same
- We continue funding projects serving Gogebic County, MI and/or Iron County, WI
- Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)(3), government entity, or publicly funded educational institution
- Projects must align with our funding priorities
- Grantees complete mid-grant (Zoom check-in) and a final report (written)
- Total funding available: $35,000
Why the Change?
We are embracing a more trust-based approach to grantmaking that:
- Reduces barriers to apply
- Centers relationships and dialogue
- Honors the expertise of local organizations
- Creates space for collaboration instead of just evaluation
We’re excited to learn more about your ideas and continue advancing community health across the Gogebic Range — together.
Grant Cycle Overview
Step 1: Grant Application Process
📅 March 2026
Review the questions below, complete your project budget using our template, schedule your grant application conversation meeting, and meet with Kassi. Meetings will take place via Zoom. Come prepared to discuss the questions below and your completed budget. Please submit your budget at least one day prior to your meeting to Kassi at kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org.
Budget Template
Schedule your grant application conversation meeting here: Calendly Link
Step 2: Committee Review
📅 April 2026
Step 3: Award Notifications
📅 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOES A GRHF COMMUNITY HEALTH GRANT FUND?
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) Community Health Grants provide funding to support initiatives or programs that improve the community health of residents in Iron County, WI and Gogebic County, MI. These grants aim to foster innovation, collaboration, and long-term community impact. Eligible projects must align with at least one of GRHF’s four funding priorities:
- Youth Engagement & Mental Health – Programs that promote youth well-being, engagement, development, resilience, and access to mental health resources.
- Economic Empowerment – Initiatives that provide financial literacy or entrepreneurship support for individuals and families.
- Community Food Systems – Projects that improve food access, support local food production, or address nutrition and food security.
- Connected Communities – Efforts that enhance social connections, improve community spaces, or expand access to health and wellness activities.
Grant awards for 2026 will range from $500 to $10,000, with a total of $35,000 available. All applicant Zoom meetings must be completed by the first week of April. The Grant Committee will review applications in April, and award notifications will be sent in May.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Any tax-exempt organization based in or working in Iron County, WI or Gogebic County, MI, with a focus on improving community health related to GRHF funding priorities.
WHAT IS THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
Funding decisions are based on the availability of funds and how well proposals align with GRHF’s priorities. Selection is guided by:
- Preparedness and engagement – applicants should come ready to discuss their project, including the budget, activities, expected impact, and how it addresses the guiding questions.
- Collaborative conversation – the meeting is an opportunity to explore your ideas with GRHF staff, share context, and refine your project through dialogue.
- Demonstrated community need – the project should respond to a clear need in the community.
- Alignment with GRHF funding priorities – projects should advance one or more of our focus areas: Youth Engagement & Mental Health, Economic Empowerment, Community Food Systems, or Connected Communities.
WHAT ARE THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS?
Grantees will be required to attend a mid-grant check-in via Zoom and a written final report detailing project outcomes, successes, challenges, and a financial summary.
For questions, please contact grantmaking@gogebicrangehf.org.
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation Board of Directors has sole responsibility for all grant decisions.
Our mission is to advance community health across the Gogebic Range by investing in projects that create lasting, transformative impact.
We believe in a broad definition of health, understanding that true well-being extends beyond health care alone. Our strategic focus encompasses youth engagement and mental health, economic empowerment, community food systems, and fostering connected communities. By supporting these initiatives, we aim to promote physical and mental wellness, stimulate economic resilience, and build a cohesive community network that will drive lasting, positive transformation across our region.