Since 2002, Carroll EMC Foundation has annually opened grant applications to charitable organizations that benefit Members across the co-op’s seven-county footprint. Of this year’s applicants, Foundation Trustees awarded Impact Grants to twenty-nine groups at a reception held at Carroll EMC’s headquarters in July.
The issuing of grants means a total of $114,318 will be put back into the community through a variety of service-based projects. Included in this year’s funding cycle were projects relating to health and human services, arts and culture, civic and community, education, and safety. A complete list of winners can be found at carrollemc.com/impactgrants.
It is through Member participation in Carroll EMC’s Operation Round Up® (ORU®) program that the cooperative is able to award Impact Grants. Members can contribute by rounding their electric bill to the nearest whole dollar. These funds are kept separate from cooperative revenue and are administered by the Foundation Board of Trustees who allocate the donations. Since its inception, more than $4.9 million has been given back to Carroll EMC communities.
“Before becoming a trustee, I had no idea where these donations went to,” said Rick Lovvorn, Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee. “I’ve had a behind-the-scenes look now for five years, and I am proud to be a part of the selection process. We have so many deserving non-profit groups in the West Georgia area.”
To apply for an Impact Grant, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must have a vision or project in mind that would enhance the quality of life for communities within Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Troup or Floyd counties. A representative must submit an online form that outlines the project and provides a detailed budget.
Impact Grant applications open in January.