Nov. 29, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sheryl Kochevar, Communications Director

218-735-3021, Sheryl.Kochevar@state.mn.us

Over $100,000 in Culture & Tourism grants awarded in communities of Biwabik, Coleraine, Ely and Grand Rapids

Six projects were recently awarded a combined total of $102,500 in Culture & Tourism grants by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. The agency invests approximately $600,000 annually into the grant program across its 13,000 square-mile service area. The grants assist projects that support arts, culture, history, tourism and recreational activities, enhance the quality of life in the region and attract visitors. “Culture & Tourism grants are some of the smaller dollar amounts awarded by the agency, however their regional impact is quite large. These projects not only increase the social and cultural experiences for year-round residents, they also add to the offerings that draw visitors to our region which stimulates the economy for area businesses,” said Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. “We were very pleased to support these communities as they work to further improve the quality of life and tourism industry in northeastern Minnesota.”

The six recent grants include:

• City of Biwabik: $30,000 to replace and upgrade the outdated and insufficient electrical service at Vermilion Trail Campground in order to provide the power needed for modern campers and RVs. Total project investment is estimated at $60,000.
• City of Coleraine: $30,000 to renovate and upgrade Cotton Park Playground located on the north end of Trout Lake. The park currently includes a swimming beach, a public boat landing and outdated play equipment. The new playground will be ADA compliant with new equipment for children of all ages and abilities. Total project investment is estimated at $120,925.
• Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely: $2,500 to create physical spaces within the museum that provide greater accessibility for visitors with mobility, sight, hearing and sensory limitations. Total project investment is estimated at $5,000.
• International Wolf Center in Ely: $15,000 to develop a digital marketing campaign to attract new guests and visitors to Ely, including underrepresented audiences such as communities of color, tribal nations and veterans. Total project investment is estimated at $30,000.
• Itasca County Family YMCA in Grand Rapids: $15,000 to promote community health by adding an outdoor fitness circuit that accommodates all ages, especially those 50 and over. The circuit will include six stations with exercise equipment designed to focus on the major muscle groups including arms, legs and core. Total project investment is estimated at $62,010.
• Northern Lakes Arts Association in Ely: $10,000 to produce Broadway in the Boundary Waters, which will include three musicals, two youth theater camps and nine concerts in 2024. Total project investment is estimated at $88,750.

New Culture & Tourism grant cycle opens Jan. 2

Cities, townships, nonprofits, tribal governments and governmental entities located within the agency’s service area are eligible to apply. Key application dates:

• Jan. 2 – 25: Pre-applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m.
• Jan. 31: Full grant applications and required documentation must be submitted by 4:30 p.m.

Applications must be submitted through the FLUXX grant portal. Access the FLUXX portal.

Watch a short two-minute video about Culture & Tourism grants.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Culture & Tourism grant information.