More than $900,000 infused into nonprofit capital improvements

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is investing more than $900,000 into nine nonprofit organizations that help form the backbone of the Copper Country's health, safety and vibrancy with its Nonprofit Capital Improvement Grant.

From aging facilities and outdated technology to critical accessibility and housing needs, this grant supports nonprofits as they work to overcome barriers that limit their ability to serve our community. This funding helps modernize key infrastructure, expand access to essential services and strengthen organizational capacity that ensures these vital programs can continue to grow alongside the needs of the people they serve.

Meet the recipients

Big Brothers Big Sisters - Technology Infrastructure Upgrade, System Integration and Optimization - $60,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on outdated, disconnected technology systems that limit their ability to expand mentoring access to youth in the Western Upper Peninsula, many of whom already face barriers like long travel distances, workforce shortages, and limited access to youth-programming and transportation. This project modernizes Big Brothers Big Sister’s technology infrastructure, including systems integration, website redesign and data management improvements, to strengthen organizational efficiency and expand the capacity to connect more local youth with caring adult mentors.

Calumet Art Center - Heating System Upgrade - $60,000

The Calumet Art Center's current heating system leaves the building too cold for visitors and drives up utility costs, discouraging attendance and limiting the organization's ability to offer classes and programs, especially during winter. With grant funding to repair the heating system, the Calumet Art Center can redirect gift shop and class fee revenue toward expanding classes, gatherings and winter programming, while growing its volunteer base to support these new community activities.

Camp Josh - Learning Center and Capital Improvements - $200,000

Aging infrastructure and accessibility barriers at Camp Josh, including structural deficiencies and limited accessible parking, create health and safety risks that limit wellness programming and year-round use of the facility, particularly for individuals with disabilities, veterans and at-risk youth. Funding will help Camp Josh launch their new Learning Center, partnering with local agencies and organizations to deliver structured, adaptive and skill-building programs that strengthen social connection, confidence and well-being.

Copper Country Angel Mission - Second Floor Renovation - $10,500

Copper Country Angel Mission’s second-floor lacks electricity, heating and a functional layout that forces the organization to stack supplies inefficiently and unsafely, limiting their capacity to organize and distribute items for growing programs like the Backpack Program and Coat the Copper Country. Renovating the second floor will provide Copper Country Angel Mission with the storage and organizational space needed to support its growing programs, while also creating room for partnering nonprofits to expand access to financial, educational, mental health and poverty-reduction services.

Copper Harbor Trails Club - Community Headquarters and Employee Housing Project - $106,750

Copper Harbor Trails Club currently operates across fragmented, temporary spaces, leaving trail builders, maintenance staff and trail groomers without stable housing and the community without adequate public restrooms or year-round gathering space — threatening workforce stability and access to recreation and community resources. Renovating the Trails Club's building into a permanent headquarters, workforce housing facility and community resource center will strengthen employee retention, expand community programming and sustain year-round access to outdoor recreation in the Keweenaw.

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly - LBFE Safety, Function and Expansion - $35,000

After more than 25 years of serving older adults, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly has outgrown their facility, limiting the organization's ability to meet rising demand. Funding will support the first phase of Little Brother’s facility renovation and modernization plans, strengthening the quality and safety of essential services like Friendly Visiting and Medical Transportation, to ensure older adults can continue accessing reliable support that promotes social connection, independence and healthy aging.

Omega House - Omega House Renovation - $200,000

Omega House has experienced a rise in hospice admissions with frequent full occupancy and wait times for beds, while its current facility lacks the operational space needed to optimize daily care, staff workflow and a climbing demand for grief support services, constraining their ability to expand from eight to 12 beds. Renovations and the expansion of Omega House's operational space will improve staff efficiency, enhance the resident and family experience, and create dedicated space for grief support programming, laying the groundwork for future bed expansion and sustainable growth to meet a rising community need.

Right Start UP - Heating Upgrades and Roof Repairs - $237,623

Right Start UP's Hancock Community Hub, a "third space" that houses 11 other local organizations, is facing critical infrastructure needs that jeopardize its continued use and the vital community services it supports. Funding will repair the Hub's boilers and roof, preserving this vital community space so it can continue supporting childcare, education, health and social connection programming, while also positioning the building as a future disaster-resilience center for Houghton County.

Unitē Mental Health & Wellness - Enhancing Access to Pediatric Mental Health Services - $68,500

Unitē Mental Health & Wellness's aging technology, telehealth equipment and worn facilities limit their capacity to meet the growing demand for timely youth and family mental health care. Upgraded technology, telehealth equipment and therapy spaces, including sensory-responsive rooms and accessibility supports, will strengthen the organization's capacity to deliver accessible, high-quality mental health care to children, teens and families throughout the region.

These investments serve as more than facility upgrades and technology improvements, they represent stronger, more resilient organizations equipped to meet the evolving needs of the community for years to come. Copper Shores is proud to invest in these organizations and excited to see the impact their work will continue to have across the Copper Country.

More information

• Learn more about the grant opportunities at Copper Shores.
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