While northern Minnesota communities are grateful that wildfire conditions are gradually improving, residents and small businesses who have lost income for weeks as a result are struggling to regain their footing.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) has been raising recovery funds since July 15th to prepare for this moment; funds are still being raised for communities regionwide as well as specific to the Ely area. Anonymous donors are adding an additional dollar for every $2 donated to the Ely community up to $50,000.
“There is love and support coming to this region from across the state,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “We are moved by the generosity, though we know that after nearly a month of little to no income, the local need outpaces the funds we’ve raised.”
Applications for individuals and small businesses to apply for UWNEMN’s Wildfire Recovery funds are now open.
Small business funding will be released in rounds. Applications for this round of grant funds are due by 11:59 PM August 10, 2026. Approved applicants will receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 by August 17, 2026. This funding will be restricted to business related expenses including payroll assistance; rent, mortgage, and/or utility costs; payments to suppliers; and equipment necessary for business operation.
Individuals can apply for funding from $500 to $1,500. Like small businesses, individual applications are due by 11:59 PM August 10, and funding will be released by August 17. For individuals, funding will be applied directly to bills or will be given as grocery gift cards.
“These amounts were determined with input from local small business professionals in an effort to assist as many people and businesses as possible with the amount of funding we’ve raised to-date,” Shay said. “Our hope is this funding serves as a stop-gap until larger funding sources become available.
To qualify for funding, businesses must be located in Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, or townships between any of the aforementioned communities; have suffered business loss due to the July 2026 Lightning Incident; be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State; utilize available insurance; and intend to re-open.
Eligible individuals must live or work in Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, or townships between any of the aforementioned communities and be able to show their income was affected as a direct result of the July 2026 Lightning Incident to qualify.
A panel of UWNEMN board members and community members will review applications for small businesses and individuals using a rubric. All application information will remain confidential, and review panel members will be required to sign conflict of interest forms.
Applications are available online at www.unitedwaynemn.org/firehelp. Paper versions will also available with UWNEMN Partner Agency Northwoods Partners at The Hub in Ely starting Monday August 3; those who apply using a paper form are encouraged to scan their applications and email them to emily@unitedwaynemn.org to avoid mail delays.
UWNEMN continues to fundraise in hopes of opening additional rounds of funding to support more impacted businesses and individuals.
Donations are 100% tax deductible, and 100% of funds raised will stay in the community or communities donors designate their funds toward. 100% of gifts not designated for a specific community will go directly to the eligible individuals or businesses.
“Our organization does not apply an administrative fee to any individual donations made to crisis funds,” Shay said. “Our priority is stabilizing our communities as much as we possibly can.”
More than $80,000 has been raised to-date, not including matching funds for crisis funds, with $42,500 dedicated specifically to the Ely area at the time of this release. Individual donations have ranged from $1 to $5,000, and businesses contributions have come from Boston Scientific, NewRange Copper Nickel, Sota Clothing, and Twin Metals Minnesota.
Before opening funds to small businesses and individuals, funds raised were used to purchase air purifiers for Ely area seniors and were also made available to local organizations actively responding to the wildfire.
To support either of UWNEMN’s recovery funds, visit www.unitedwaynemn.org/firehelp. Donations can also be mailed directly to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Checks can be written to “United Way of NE MN,” and the requested purpose for funds must be included in writing.
Apply for Individual Assistance
Apply for Small Business Grant
Support the Ely Wildfire Recovery Fund | $1 added for every $2 donated!