Local groups in Mecosta, Osceola and Lake Counties are part of the first round of recipients to share $140,000 through the People Fund from Great Lakes Energy. 

 

Since its inception in 1999, the People Fund has awarded more than $4.3 million in grants.

 

“’Concern for Community’ is much more than one of the seven guiding principles we follow at Great Lakes Energy -- it’s a way of life,” Great Lakes Energy President/CEO Shaun Lamp said. “The People Fund provides us with a wonderful opportunity to partner with our members in support of the nonprofit organizations who are making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”

 

Funding for the program comes from members of the electric cooperative who agree to have their monthly bills rounded up to the next whole dollar. Members are encouraged to enroll in the People Fund online at gtlakes.com or by contacting Great Lakes Energy’s office.

 

Cooperative members also have the opportunity to increase their contributions to the People Fund through People Fund PLUS. The People Fund PLUS program allows members to choose an amount, in addition to the monthly bill round-up, to contribute to the program.

 

Grants are awarded twice each year by volunteer board members representing the cooperative’s north, central, and south regions.

 

Lamp added: “We are grateful for our members’ longstanding support for the People Fund and encourage community nonprofit groups in our service area to apply for the fund’s next round of grants in the fall.”

 

Local first round recipients include: 

 

• FiveCAP, Inc., Scottville: $2,000 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Lake County.
• Lake County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Baldwin: $1,993 for computer equipment and building a website.
• Lake Fellowship Ministries, Baldwin: $2,000 to repurpose space in the River Community Center for a personal care center, contingent on raising the rest of the funding.
• Lincoln Township Fire Department, Reed City: $5,895 for the Lincoln Township Lifepak AED Project, contingent on raising the rest of the funding.
• Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, Inc., Mecosta: $1,250 for Veterans Honor Flights/Missions # 15, 16, and 17.
• Pathfinder Community Library, Baldwin: $ 2,932.89 for STEM and Lego storage.
• PoWeR! Book Bags, Suttons Bay: $2,500 for reading and enrichment bags for Lake County children.
• Reed City Area District Library, Reed City: $2,500 for an outdoor equipment storage shed.
• Reed City Police Department, Reed City: $2,368 for an MPH Sure Shot handheld lidar.
• Riverton Firefighters Association, Scottville: $2,000 for (4) Battery powered portable LED scene lights.

The Great Lakes Energy People Fund is accepting applications from local non-profit organizations for the final 2023 grant cycle. The deadline for letters of intent is Oct. 1 with grant applications due by Oct. 15. Visit gtlakes.com/people-fund/ to learn more.