Five 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 we met our goal of $5000!

Now we have an exciting opportunity to take another big step with you.

We have ANOTHER $5000 challenge grant! To help us continue our mission in

2024 and beyond, we are seeking monthly donations totaling an annual $5000.

When we reach $5000 in annual donation amounts, we will unlock the next challenge grant!

Help us get to $5000! And thank you!


Now and in recent years, IRPS has partnered with the community to:

  • Publish “The Economic Potential of E-Waste Recycling in Minnesota” in 2023.

  • Sponsor E-Waste Expo and Collection Event in Mt Iron on October 5th, 2024. Stay tuned!

  • Begin to build a Deep Winter Greenhouse in partnership with Rock Ridge School District and a private trust for a DWG in Babbitt

• 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 funding Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation in 2018

• Initiated 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 Farmers Market and Iron Range Half Marathon

• 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.