GRHF Awards Over $40,000 in 2026 Community Health Grants

The Gogebic Range Health Foundation presents a check for a $14,200 grant to Saint Mauds as part of GRHF’s 2026 Community Health Grant Round. Pictured Above (L to R): Kassi Huotari; Executive Director, GRHF, Karl Zinsmaster; Saint Mauds, and Lori Booth; Board Chair, GRHF

Ironwood, MI – July 2026 — The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) has awarded $41,700 to 8 local organizations through its 2026 Community Health Grant cycle, supporting youth engagement, mental health, community food systems, and connected communities across the Gogebic Range. This cycle drew over $117,000 in requests for $35,000 available, and GRHF was able to utilize some additional funding from the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund to grants aligned with mental health initiatives.

2026 Grant Recipients:

Saint Mauds – $14,200 – Summer 2026 Sloyd woodworking programming for youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western U.P. – $5,500 – Summer staffing to rebuild mentoring capacity
Communities That Care Coalition – $4,000 – Youth and family engagement programming
Gogebic Community College – $5,500 – Mental health programming for students and community
Wakefield-Marenisco School District – $2,500 – Snowshoe equipment and transportation for outdoor recreation
SISU Dirt Crew – $4,000 – Beginner mountain bike trails near Ironwood School
Historic Ironwood Theatre – $3,500 – Youth Theater Workshop
Ironwood Area Schools – $2,500 – Camp Nesbitt outdoor education program

“Every year, our grantees show us what’s possible when a community invests in itself,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “This year’s awardees represent everything from youth engagement to organizational capacity – a real snapshot of what our region needs right now.”

GRHF has invested more than $1 million in the Gogebic Range since its founding in 2015, serving Iron County, WI and Gogebic County, MI.

Media Contact:
Kassi Huotari, Executive Director
kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org | 906-364-7527 | gogebicrangehf.org