Cliffs Natural Resources recently announced its intention to donate a total of $400,000 to charitable organizations in Marquette County over the next five years.

We’re happy to see Cliffs continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting the community surrounding its mining operations.

The biggest recipient is Northern Michigan University’s Clinical Laboratory Science Program at $250,000 over five years. The donation will allow the molecular diagnostics lab to expand its scope by facilitating student training, test development and research.

According to a statement issued by the university, the donation will also establish a $50,000 Cliffs Endowed Scholarship to assist CLS students with costs associated with training at clinical agencies, including the Mayo Clinic.

Next on the list is the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, which will receive a total of $200,000 over five years to assist in the upgrade of museum exhibits.

Father Marquette School is receiving $100,000 over two years to assist in renovations that will provide a community gathering and public reception area.

Other recipients include Bay Cliff Health Camp, Richmond Township, Birchview Elementary School, Teaching Family Homes, Child and Family Services and the Marquette County Salvation Army.

Cliffs is also continuing donations for other, multi-year agreements with Marquette General Health System for its linear accelerator, the Iron Ore Heritage Recreational Authority Trial, Room at the Inn, the Great Lakes Center for Youth Development, the Women’s Center/Harbor House, the Superiorland Cross Country Ski Club, the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, the Noquemenon Trail Network and the Lake Superior Community Partnership Chairman’s Circle.

These are all wonderful organizations and worthy of such a generous investment.

We applaud Cliffs for understanding that doing business isn’t just about making money – it’s about caring for the community you live and work in.

We think Cliffs is doing just that with these donations.