Valley Rural Electric Cooperative's Community Service Grant Program provides funds to Valley REC members experiencing financial hardship, to service organizations such as fire and ambulance companies, and to educators who need support materials to teach blocks of instruction related to electricity or the cooperative business model. The money to fund this initiative comes from unclaimed capital credits refunds that previously had to be turned over to the state. Thanks to the efforts of our political advocates, we can now keep those funds in our local communities.
The program makes grants available in three categories: energy assistance, civic and community programs, and education. Grant amounts can range up to $500 for energy assistance and up to $1,000 for civic and community organizations or educational programs.
Community Service Grant Program Brochure (PDF, 209 KB)
Grant Categories
Energy Assistance
Who can apply?
Members of Valley REC who are experiencing a hardship created by a death, divorce, fire, hospitalization, or other event not related to employment may apply. The member's account must be a residential account. Business or seasonal accounts do not qualify. Energy Assistance applications may be made by the prospective recipient or on behalf of that recipient with his or her permission.
Members who are experiencing a hardship due to employment-related loss of (or reduction of) income should apply for help via the co-op's Members Helping Members program.
How much is the grant?
An amount up to $500 is available. Funds are applied directly to the member's account. A larger grant amount (up to $700 total) may be awarded to qualifying members to assist with costs to make repairs to deteriorated secondary service equipment (such as meter bases, service connections, and weather heads).
Civic and Community Programs
Who can apply?
Organizations or entities that serve members of Valley REC – such as fire and ambulance companies, emergency management units, community centers and parks, Junior Achievement, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and others – are eligible to apply.
How much is the grant?
An amount up to $1,000 is available. The application must be for a specific equipment or project need and not for regular budget or operation expenses.
Education
Who can apply?
Educators who want to purchase support materials for blocks of instruction on electricity or the cooperative business model may apply. The education-related programs must benefit Valley REC members or student populations within Valley REC's service area.
The co-op's Brighter Future Scholarship and Youth Tour programs also receive funding from this category. However, they have their own specialized applications and therefore do not require a grant application. Do not submit a grant application for either of these programs.
How much is the grant?
An amount up to $1,000 is available. The application must be for a specific equipment or project need or specific educational materials. It cannot be for regular budget or operation expenses.
How to Apply
You can apply using any of the following methods.
- Obtain, complete, and submit a paper application for your grant request. Applications are available at all co-op locations.
- View, complete, and submit the application online by using the GoFormz link below. Fill out the form on your computer, tablet device, or smart phone.
Community Service Grant Program Application (GoFormz) - Download the following PDF version of the application, complete it (either on your computer or by hand), and submit it.
Community Service Grant Program Application (PDF, 632 KB)