United Way launches Ely Wildfire Recovery fund

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) has launched the Ely Wildfire Recovery fund to help small businesses affected by ongoing wildfires and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closures. 

Anonymous donors have pledged to match one dollar for every two dollars donated, up to $40,000. Applications for small businesses open July 31, with grants distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Executive Director Erin Shay says many Ely businesses depend on the tourism season to make it through the year.

“So many of these businesses rely on that May through September, October tourism season to make the income that they do. They also have people employed by them who rely on that as well. It’s a tough situation all around.”

Even as parts of the Boundary Waters gradually reopen, Shay said the community of Ely is still dealing with the financial impacts of the wildfires. 

“I think what’s important is for people to understand that the fires might not be what’s in the headlines at this time, but they’re still happening. Businesses have still been affected and people are still struggling.”

Donors can choose to designate their gifts to Ely Small Businesses, Ely Area(s) of Greatest Need, or split their donation evenly between the two.

According to the United Way, donations designated to Ely Area(s) of Greatest Need may be used to support small businesses, fire departments, nonprofits, cleanup efforts and other community needs as recovery continues.

To support UWNEMN’s recovery fund, donations can be made online.