Advancing Health Across the Upper Peninsula in 2025
What We Accomplished Together in 2025
Across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, organizations are doing remarkable work to improve health and well-being in their communities, ranging from grassroots health initiatives to substance use recovery to healthcare workforce development, and more.
In 2025, we set out to be a better partner to organizations across Michigan's Upper Peninsula by intentionally expanding our efforts to improve health outcomes both in and beyond Marquette County.
We had the privilege of supporting 52 initiatives across the U.P. Organizations secured over $1.2 million in funding to address critical health needs in their communities.
Exploring New Partnerships
In 2025, we made a conscious effort to seek out and establish relationships with nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and other funders across the U.P.
Tribal communities such as Hannahville, Bay Mills, and Lac Vieux Desert launched new health initiatives tailored to their unique needs. Nonprofits like Yes Rx, Room at the Inn, and Unite UP expanded their reach and local impact.
Regional collaboration took many forms. SHF joined a coalition of funders to support healthy moms and babies through the launch of Rx Kids in five Eastern U.P. counties. We collaborated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to bring new funding to organizations that serve older adults in the region.
Organizations across all 15 counties received equipment grants to improve accessibility, decrease medical response times, and enhance care delivery.
Supporting Organizations of all Sizes
In 2025, we funded 50 organizations through our core grant programs, including 25 organizations we'd never worked with before. Health work happens at every scale and these organizations vary widely in size and budget, but they share a common commitment: improving health outcomes in their communities.
Responding to Community Needs
In 2025, SHF distributed 30 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to community organizations across the U.P. These devices are now available in places where residents gather, providing life-saving equipment in communities that need it most.
When food insecurity emerged and SNAP benefits were paused, we allocated $65,000 to support food pantries across the region, helping ensure that families have continued access to nutritious food.
These responsive initiatives demonstrate our commitment to being flexible and meeting urgent community needs as they arise.
How We Showed Up as a Partner
We spent 2025 learning what makes SHF an effective partner. Our team hosted and attended dozens of meetings across the region to listen to what communities need and how we can support those efforts. These meetings led to new grant proposals, increased partnerships and collaborative funding opportunities, and stronger relationships.
Our grants team conducted over 75 concept calls and reviewed and responded to 30 concept papers. Our grants committee reviewed 93 proposals, and our board approved 52 grants.
We brought people together. Our June Grantee Convening welcomed 85+ organizations for professional development. In July, we gathered 20 UP funders to find ways to collaborate and stretch our collective resources further.
And we listened to you. Based on feedback from partners, we launched a new website, streamlined our application processes, and made our funding priorities clearer.
We’re Here to Help
To learn more about our work in 2025 or to schedule a call to discuss your project contact us today!