6/10/2025

IRONWOOD - The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) announced 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.  906 Adventure Team receiving $1,000, UW-Madison Division of Extension, Iron County – $4,000, Bessemer Science Olympiad – $1,000, Emberlight Festival – $4,995, Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency – $10,000, Gogebic Range Farmers Market Association – $2,000, Mercer Area Food Pantry – $4,000, Mercer Health & Wellness, Inc. – $6,000, Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority/City of Bessemer – $2,000, Northwind Natural Food Co-op – $3,000, Red Devil Education Foundation – $2,000 and Watersmeet Township – $2,000.  Details on how each organization will use the money to support their community can be found on our website and on the WUPM Facebook page. 

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.

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.