Reflections on Give to the Max Day 2025
On November 21, something extraordinary happened.
Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s biggest day of giving—a 24-hour celebration of generosity. This year, more than 2,000 of you came together and raised $526,585 (and counting) for the Boundary Waters.
And here’s what truly stands out: Save the Boundary Waters raised the third most dollars of any nonprofit in Minnesota. Out of thousands of organizations, supporters like you pushed this Wilderness to the very top. It’s a clear statement about what Minnesotans value—and a reminder that the Boundary Waters needs permanent protection.
The Power of Community
This wasn't about one or two large donations. This was the power of a grassroots movement. People coming together to speak loudly for this quiet place.
Neighbors texting neighbors. Families giving together. Friends challenging friends. Social media posts that were shared and reshared.
Every $10 gift, every $100 gift, every dollar mattered. Together, over 2,000 voices said clearly and powerfully: Not this mine. Not this place.
Give to the Max Day showed that the Boundary Waters—its clean water, cultural significance, wildlife, and refuge—unites Minnesotans across regions and generations.
The Work Ahead
We wish we could say the Boundary Waters are now safe forever. But the watershed remains urgently threatened by sulfide-ore copper mining—the most toxic industry in America. Copper mining has never been done safely in Minnesota. Not once. 100% of these mines pollute.
Powerful interests are moving quickly to hand this Wilderness to foreign mining companies, rolling out loopholes and legislation to undo the historic 20-year mineral withdrawal we worked so hard to secure. The pressure in Washington, D.C., and St. Paul is real and intensifying.
But Give to the Max Day gave us something essential: momentum and undeniable public strength. When decision-makers see that Save the Boundary Waters placed third statewide, they understand the stakes and the power of this movement.
Moving Forward Together
We can win this fight 100 times, but we can only lose the Boundary Waters once.
Your support fuels the legal battles, advocacy, scientific research, and education critical to securing lasting protection. You ensure we can meet every challenge with science, law, and the powerful public voice you demonstrated on Give to the Max Day.
The fight to save the Boundary Waters never stops—and neither do we. We're prepared to defend the 20-year mining ban in court with a robust legal strategy and scientific evidence. We must defend our victories, confront new challenges, and fight for permanent protection.
Some places are just too important to risk. Don't let America's most toxic industry move in next to its most-visited Wilderness.
We're energized. We're ready. And above all, we are profoundly grateful to have you by our side.
