Frequently Asked Questions: Wildfire Recovery Assistance 2026
Click the tabs below to find answers to your questions about our individual or small business grant applications.
Both applications closed August 10, 2027. Funding will be released to approved applicants by August 17, 2027.
2026 Wildfire Recovery: Individual Funding Request FAQs
While there be a second round of funding?
- Not at this time.
- This decision was based on the overwhelming response to the first round, the remaining need from the first round, and the amount of funding available at this time.
I submitted my application in round one. How long before I hear from United Way?
- Applicants for individual funding requests have all been made aware of their final application status, and funds have been released.
I was approved. When can I expect to receive my individual funding?
- Funds were applied to approved invoices August 17, 2026.
- Grocery gift cards were available to approved applicants August 18, 2026; must provide ID used when applying to redeem.
- This funding could only be applied directly to bills OR given as gift cards to local grocery stores.
As an individual, what would make me eligible for funding?
- To qualify for this funding, individuals/families must:
- Live or work within the following communities in UWNEMN’s service territory: Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, or townships between any of the aforementioned communities.
- Funds are limited, and availability will vary based on location.
- Funds have been raised through donations, some of which are designated for specific communities.
- Have suffered income loss as a result of the July 2026 Lightning Incident.
- Live or work within the following communities in UWNEMN’s service territory: Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, or townships between any of the aforementioned communities.
What documents would I need to provide with my application?
- Individuals must provide the following:
- Current driver’s license (front and back)
- If address is not current on driver’s license, a piece of mail addressed to you at current address must also be provided.
- For those who did not live or work directly in an evacuation zone – employer reference verifying income loss was due to July 2026 Lightning Incident
- For assistance with a specific bill – copy of actual bill
- For veterans - copy of your DD214
- Current driver’s license (front and back)
Could I still apply if I don’t live in the communities listed?
- Individuals who do not live in Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, or townships between any of the aforementioned communities can apply as long as they work in one of those communities.
Am I restricted in the way I spend funds?
- Funding can be applied toward a bill (or bills); funding can also be awarded in the form of gift cards to local grocery stores.
Would I be allowed to apply for both the small business funding and the individual grant funding if I qualify?
- Yes, though priority will be given to small businesses that have not requested individual funding in an effort to assist as many people/businesses as possible with the limited funding currently available.
Is there a paper copy I can print and send in?
- Not at this time; applications were due by 11:59 PM August 10, 2026.
- Printable applications AND an in-person pickup location will be posted here should more funding become available.
Is there a deadline to apply?
- Applications closed at 11:59 PM August 10, 2026.
- In the instance you submit an application later – or we are unable to assist you at this time due to lack of funding – we will keep your application on-file as we work to raise additional funds and reach out if/when we are able to assist you.
2026 Wildfire Recovery: Small Business Grant Application FAQs
While there be a second round of funding?
- Not at this time.
- This decision was based on the overwhelming response to the first round, the remaining need from the first round, and the amount of funding available at this time.
I submitted my application in round one. How long before I hear from United Way?
- Applicants for individual funding requests have all been made aware of their final application status, and funds have been released.
I was approved. When can I expect to receive funding for my business?
- Funds were released August 17, 2026.
- This does not include mail time for funds released via check.
- Recipients had the option to provide ACH information for quicker disbursement.
As a small business, what would make me eligible for funding?
- To qualify for this funding, businesses must:
- Be located in the following communities in UWNEMN’s service territory: Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, and townships between any of the aforementioned communities.
- Funds are limited, and availability will vary based on location.
- Funds have been raised through donations, some of which are designated for specific communities.
- Have suffered business loss due to the July 2026 Lightning Incident.
- Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- Utilize available insurance.
- Intend to re-open.
- Be located in the following communities in UWNEMN’s service territory: Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, and townships between any of the aforementioned communities.
What documents would I need to provide with my application?
- Businesses must provide the following:
- Current driver’s license (front and back).
- Most recent year tax return.
- 2025 Federal Business Returns or appropriate business tax schedule based on your entity type.
- If 2025 tax return is not available, 2024 is acceptable.
- For new businesses that do not yet have a tax return, please call 218-215-2425.
- If business space is leased, a landlord letter is required stating business was current on rent prior to July 1, 2026, or documentation showing rent was current prior to July 1, 2026.
- Form 941: Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return for Q2 2026 (if applicable)
- A signed W-9 form
Could I still apply if I don’t live within the communities listed?
- This funding is intended for businesses hardest hit by 2026 wildfires in UWNEMN’s service area; business owners need not live within the above listed communities, but their business must be located in one of them.
- Priority will be given to businesses owned by individuals who live in our region.
Am I restricted in the way I spend funds?
- This funding is restricted to business related expenses including payroll assistance; rent, mortgage, and/or utility costs; payments to suppliers; and equipment necessary for business operation.
- Businesses will be required to provide receipts upon request to verify expenses; businesses unable to do so will be required to return funding.
Would I be allowed to apply for both the small business grant and individual funding if I qualify?
- Yes, though priority will be given to individuals who have not applied for a small business grant in an effort to assist as many people/businesses as possible with the limited funding currently available.
Is there a paper copy I can print and send in?
- Not at this time; applications closed at 11:59 PM August 10, 2026.
- Printable applications AND an in-person pickup location will be posted here should more funding become available.
Is there a deadline to apply?
- Applications closed at 11:59 PM August 10, 2026.
- We hope to open at least one additional round of funding.
- In the instance you submitted an application late – or we are unable to assist you in the first round due to lack of funding – we will keep your application on-file as we work to raise additional funds and reach out if/when we are able to assist you.