November 7, 2025 | By Emilie Jacques
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation has named six organizations as 2025 Small Grant recipients. The 2025 Small Grants Request for Proposals was opened in mid June of this year with a deadline of July 14. The opportunity was open to nonprofits, schools and municipalities in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon Counties. This grant cycle is part of the Foundation’s commitment to making long-term changes in the Copper Country, both big and small.
Meet the recipients
Baraga County Cancer Support Group, Travel Assistance - $2,500.00
Cancer presents a variety of challenges, including financial strain as individuals seek treatment. Those challenges can be exacerbated in a rural area, where treatment may be hours away. To alleviate some of that strain, Baraga County Cancer Support Group is providing 20 $100 gas cards and 20 $25 food cards for eligible cancer patients. These cards will help at least 20 Baraga County residents.
Copper Country Angel Mission, Backpack Program - $2,500.00
Many local families lack access to basic needs, but Copper Country Angel Mission is providing students with the dignity and respect that they deserve. Their Backpack Program provides students from low-income families with basic school supplies, and more importantly, new socks, shoes and underwear. This funding will help them fill every backpack with age and size appropriate items.
Copper Country Ski Tigers, Barnelopet Coordination - $1,000.00
The Barnelopet, or “kid’s race” in Norwegian, is where many local youth cross country skiers are first introduced to competitive skiing. Carrying on the tradition is Copper Country Ski Tigers, who’s fostering a continued love for the Barnelopet, with new directional signage, racing bibs, participant medals, refreshments and more.
Elaine Bacon Literacy Program, Keweenaw International Children's Festival - $1,750.00
Culture and creativity meet at the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program’s Keweenaw International Children’s festival. This family-friendly event promotes children's mental and physical health through a variety of educational and culturally diverse demonstrations and activities. This event is on Saturday, November 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Portage Lake District Library. Full event details can be found at elainebaconliteracyprogram.org.
Laird Township, Recreational Trails - $2,399.99
Laird Township is upgrading their recreational trails to be better suited for community use. With new trail maintenance tools, Laird Township is better equipped to groom the trails for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and more, keeping them safe and more accessible for everyone.
Lake Linden-Hubbell Elementary School, Growing Healthy Future - $2,500.00
Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools is making learning fun and relevant with a hydroponic farm. Students will build a better understanding of where food comes from, while growing, harvesting and tasting their own food. Other school subjects will be incorporated in this engaging and interactive curriculum, helping students draw connections from learning to real life.
Copper Shores is proud to help small projects make big impacts in the Copper Country. To receive a notification for the foundation’s next open request for proposals, sign up for the free monthly Copper Shores email newsletter. To learn more about the grant opportunities available at Copper Shores, visit the Grants page.
