Now Accepting Sharing Success Community Grant Applications

In partnership with CoBank, Western Cooperative Electric provides grant opportunities for local nonprofit organizations through the Sharing Success Grant Program. Since 2013, the Sharing Success program has donated more than $100,000 to local organizations to better the communities Western serves.

Applications for the 2023 cycle will be accepted from January 1, 2023, through July 1, 2023. The Western Board of Trustees will review the applications and select the winners at the July Board Meeting, and grants will be distributed in August/ September.

“Our Sharing Success Program exists to make a positive difference in the communities Western serves,” said Asst. General Manager Nolan Numrich. “Concern for the Community is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles and a benefit of being a cooperative member.”

In 2022, Western Cooperative awarded four $5000 grants. Those recipients were:

Sacred Heart School (Kitchen improvements)

Sylvan Senior Center (Building renovations)

Ellsworth Childcare and Learning Center (Outdoor play space improvements)

The Well—Center for Hope (Kitchen Equipment)

Each recipient effectively described how the grant would benefit or improve their community in their applications.

Contribution Request Amount

In 2023, Western plans to award 1-4 grants totaling $20,000. The minimum request is $2,000.

Eligibility

Generally, contributions to any 501(c)(3) charity are eligible. Select organizations not designated a 501(c)(3) may also be eligible. These organizations include schools and government organizations such as counties or municipalities and their agencies or departments, as long as the donation serves a public purpose. Organizations that are political in nature, limit their activities based on religious affiliation, or discriminate do not qualify.

Priority will be given to organizations in Western Cooperative Electric’s service territory.

There is little restriction on the type of projects that can apply. However, projects must be community-oriented and serve a public need.

To apply, visit www.westerncoop.com/sharing-success-community-grants.