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Is there any greater feeling than being able to help when there is a need? Especially if it’s something you are personally passionate about. The Community Foundation of Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Electric Cooperatives makes it possible for every employee, and every employee of electric cooperatives around the state, to be able to do just multiple times a year. 
In August, nine charitable organizations across Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ received $7,000 in grants from The Community Foundation thanks to the nominations of nine OEC and cooperative employees who submitted grant requests to the Foundation’s Advisory Committee for grant consideration. The following organizations were approved to receive grants:

• Gracehaven, Inc. $500, Maureen Knight, OEC—Serves children and families through a team of Christian workers and like-minded partners by providing sex trafficking prevention services and by empowering youth rescued from sex-trafficking to thrive with dignity in a renewed life.
• Niche Seekers, $1,000, Deron Upton, OEC—Dedicated to honoring and empowering individuals with special needs by providing opportunities that allow them to find their niche and thrive.
• Mighty Childrens Museum, $1,000, Liz Bainter, South Central Power Company—Creates environment for children and families to inspires learning through fun, interactive play.
• Childrens Hunger Alliance, $500, Monica Batista, OEC—Their mission is to provide healthy meals to hungry children, advocate for the welfare of Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ's youngest citizens and teach nutrition and physical education to those they serve.
• United Way of Morrow County, $1,000, Amber Moreland, Consolidated Cooperative—Our mission is to build bridges between people who want to help and people who need help.
• Star House, $1,000, Lija Kaleps-Clark, OEC—Star House operates Central Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ's only drop-in center for youth, ages 14-24, who are experiencing homelessness. At our 24/7/365 drop-in center, youth are provided access to food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities, showers, and a safe place to be.
• Saving Grace Cat Rescue, $500,    Haven Tattersall, OEC Intern—A non-profit organization that rescues cats and kittens from high kill shelters and off the streets. After this, Saving Grace focuses on rehabilitating these cats and getting them healthy and ready to find their forever home.
• Clear Creek Farm, $1,000, Jodi Borger, Pioneer REC—A 70-acre farm home for children of abuse in operation 42 years in Shelby County, Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ.
• United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, $500, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative, Inc.—The Foundation is matching HWEC’s donation to their local United Way to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, to provide free books to children in the community.

The Advisory Committee for The Community Foundation of Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Electric Cooperatives accepts grant requests all year round, and reviews requests three times a year, before presenting them to the Foundation’s Board for final approval. The next grant request deadline is November 6, 2023.
If you’d like to nominate a charitable organization, you’re passionate about to be considered for a grant, learn about the requirements and next steps here.