GRHF Awards 2025 Community Health Grants Totaling More Than $40,000
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Health Grants, awarding $41,995 to 12 local organizations that are advancing health, wellness, and resilience across the Gogebic Range. This milestone year marks GRHF’s 10th anniversary and celebrates the Foundation’s commitment to investing in the people and places that make our region thrive — now with more than $1 million granted since inception.
Grants were awarded to organizations whose projects align with GRHF’s core funding priorities: youth engagement and mental health, economic empowerment, community food systems, and connected communities. Funding decisions were made through a competitive grant cycle with an emphasis on impact, collaboration, and community benefit.
2025 Community Health Grant Recipients
Jonathan Erickson Mental Health Fund:
906 Adventure Team – $1,000 – Supporting youth outdoor programs through team supplies and healthy snacks.
UW-Madison Division of Extension, Iron County – $4,000 – Supporting youth engagement and health education initiatives regarding vaping.
Community Health Grants:
Bessemer Science Olympiad – $1,000 – Supporting STEM learning and team-based science competition opportunities for middle and high school students in the Bessemer School District.
Emberlight Festival – $4,995 – Enhancing accessibility for community arts and cultural events.
Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency – $10,000 – Sustaining essential meal services for older adults in the region.
Gogebic Range Farmers Market Association – $2,000 – Enhancing local food systems by strengthening community farmers markets and increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce.
Mercer Area Food Pantry – $4,000 – Providing fresh produce to improve food access for local seniors.
Mercer Health & Wellness, Inc. – $6,000 – Improving a community garden to support health and sustainability.
Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority/City of Bessemer – $2,000 – Improving trail maintenance and year-round recreational access through a raffle match.
Northwind Natural Food Co-op – $3,000 – Partnering to provide healthy, local food education and access initiatives through collaborative outreach and food-based programming.
Red Devil Education Foundation – $2,000 – Promoting physical activity and wellness among students.
Watersmeet Township – $2,000 – Expanding food delivery and wellness services for rural seniors.
A Decade of Impact
Founded in 2015, the Gogebic Range Health Foundation was created to support initiatives that improve the health and vitality of Iron County, Wisconsin and Gogebic County, Michigan. In just ten years, the Foundation has invested over $1 million in regional projects that serve youth, promote well-being, and build healthier, more connected communities.
“We are incredibly proud of what our grantees are doing to lift up the Gogebic Range,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “This year is especially meaningful, as we reflect on a decade of community investment and look ahead to an even more vibrant, resilient future.”
The 2025 grants were distributed at a media event on May 28 at Stormy Kromer in Ironwood, where grantees gathered for recognition and photos alongside GRHF staff and board members.
About the Gogebic Range Health Foundation
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation improves the well-being of individuals and families by addressing the unique challenges of our community and supporting initiatives that foster resilience and growth. The Foundation serves the Gogebic Range — including Iron County, WI and Gogebic County, MI — and is committed to making the region a fun and healthy place to live.
For more information, visit gogebicrangehf.org or follow GRHF on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Kassi Huotari
Executive Director, Gogebic Range Health Foundation
kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org
906-364-7527
gogebicrangehf.org