Six years ago, the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability launched our first Sustaining Partnership
Campaign. We invited people like you to partner with us to build a Range that thrives for everyone, one
that sustains a healthy community, a healthy economy and a healthy environment.
Since then, a number of Sustaining Partners have stepped up to give recurring monthly donations of $5 to
$50 to sustain and grow our mission. This was a great first step. When people come together, in
partnership, for the Range that we want, we thrive. That is what IRPS is about!
In 2023, we had a $5000 challenge grant to recruit new sustaining partnerships. And in 2024, we met our goal of $5000!
In 2025, we met another $5000 goal!
We are now focused on 2026 and foward. To help us continue our mission in
2026 and beyond, we are seeking monthly donations totaling an annual $15,000.
Help us get to $15,000! And thank you!
Now and in recent years, IRPS has partnered with the community to:
Applaud the 2025 business startup, Reclaiming Critical Metals LLC that grew out of our E-Waste Recycling study! See www.reclaimingcriticalmetals.com
Publish “The Economic Potential of E-Waste Recycling in Minnesota” in 2023.
Sponsor the first E-Waste Expo and Collection Event in Mt Iron on October 5th, 2024. Collected 11,380 pounds of E-Waste!
Sponsored continuing e-waste collections at every annual Iron Range Earth Fest.
Build a Deep Winter Greenhouse in Babbitt in 2025 through a private trust. Another Deep Winter Greenhouse in partnership with Rock Ridge School District is in process and we are accepting donations at https://give.mn/dff0gf
• Host the Iron Range Pasty Festival since 2019 and the Iron Range Earth Fest since 2009 with multiple community sponsors
• Launch the Rutabaga Project with AEOA in 2016
• Complete the Local Food as an Economic Driver study with funding from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation in 2018
• Initiate and continue to implement Virginia Market Square, Growing Together Virginia Community Gardens and Virginia Food Forest in partnership with the City of Virginia and AEOA since 2016
• Assist other non-profits as a fiscal sponsor, including Hibbing and Tower Farmers Markets
• Support dozens of community-minded local projects with $500 Community Sustainability Initiative grants
• Organize a 2021 Rangewide Summer Solar Tour, Here Comes the Sun
• Facilitate Arrowhead Solar Co-op in partnership with Solar United Neighbors
• Work with the Northland Food Network to continue to build a thriving local food system
We welcome any and all contributions. If you are interested in making a one time contribution or a larger gift of appreciated stock, contact Melissa Roach at melissa.roach@irpsmn.org.