IMPORTANT:

• Donations are 100% tax deductible.
• Funds raised on this page will only be made available to Ely-area businesses, individuals, and/or organizations impacted by the July 2026 Lightning Incident.
• United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) does not apply an administrative fee to any individual donations made to crisis funds.



You can choose to designate your gift to be used in any of the following ways:



• Ely Small Businesses - Will be allocated directly to small businesses in Ely, Minnesota. United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is working with local and regional leaders to develop a rubric to determine how funds are allocated; an application will be open to small businesses by July 31, 2026.
• Ely Area(s) of Greatest Need - May be allocated to small businesses, fire departments, non-profits, cleanup efforts, and/or other community purposes (including individuals should residences become impacted) in Ely depending on what is determined to be the highest unmet need in long-term recovery.
• Both - Donation will be split 50/50 between small businesses and greatest needs in the Ely area related to wildfire recovery.



Cash or check (written to "United Way of NE MN") can be mailed to 608 East Drive, Chisholm MN 55719.

Please indicate in writing what you'd like your gift used for.



Want to donate through your IRA? Contact United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Executive Director Erin Shay at 218-215-2421.



Our thanks to the anonymous donors who matched $50,000 in funds raised for Ely! Their matching gifts are now reflected in our fundraising total.