MARQUETTE — The city of Negaunee’s Community Contributions Grants program began accepting applications on Wednesday.

The program allows for nonprofits, schools and organizations like the Negaunee Irontown Association located within the Negaunee city limits to receive funding of up to $10,000 to use for community projects that aim to help organizations fund projects, programs and activities, which are of benefit to the entire city.

“This is a great way to give back to our local nonprofits. They are the backbone of our community,” City Manager Nate Heffron said. “This is why City Council has increased the overall available grant funds from $2,500 to $10,000 this year.”

To qualify for the grants, the organization must be a nonprofit located within the city of Negaunee and the entirety of the funding must go to help the organization or the public as a whole

Since 2006 more than $23,000 of funding has been given out through the Community Contributions Grants program within the city.

The funding is provided through community relations funding from WPPI Energy, a not-for-profit wholesale power provider. Negaunee is a member-owner of the organization, which serves more than 50 locally owned electric utilities.

The 2022 Community Contributions Grants application can be picked up at the City Utilities Department, Negaunee City Hall, or online at www.cityofnegaunee.com.