The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives has distributed $4,500 in grants to several non-profit organizations across Ohio. The foundation awards these grants based on nominations from employees of electric cooperatives who are actively involved with the nominated organizations. Approval is given by the foundation’s board.
Among the recipients is The Sycamore Center, Ohio Valley Youth Network, which received $1,000. The nomination came from a Cardinal Plant employee who volunteers at the center. The organization provides after-school and evening programs for more than 500 students in Steubenville and nearby areas. According to the press release, “More than 80 volunteers keep the center operating. The center’s mission is to make sure no child leaves hungry. On Fridays, the center distributes 350 meals to students at one school alone.”
The Cancer Association of Darke County was also awarded $1,000 following a nomination by a Darke Rural Electric Cooperative employee. The association offers education, transportation, medication, supplies and support to individuals affected by cancer as well as their families.
Friends of Van Buren State Park received $1,000 through a nomination from a Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative employee. This grant will help volunteers restore and upgrade hiking and biking trails within the park.
The Zak M. Davis Memorial Foundation was granted $500. This organization honors Zak Davis, who died in a car accident in 2019, by supporting young adults in Westerville City School District in catch-and-release fishing activities.
Gifts for Angels also received $500. This group assists families with premature or needy infants and those grieving infant loss by providing clothing and memorial items. South Central Power Company supports Gifts for Angels through its Operation Roundup program.
Finally, United Way of Putnam County-Dolly Parton Imagination Library received a matching grant of $500 from the Community Foundation after Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative made an initial donation of the same amount. This program delivers free books each month to children under five years old at no cost to their families.
According to the foundation, “The board of The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives meets three times a year to review and approve employee-submitted grant requests.”
