In its first round of 2025 grants, Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund has awarded 44 grants totaling more than $186,000 to local nonprofit organizations across the cooperative’s 26-county service area, which stretches from Kalamazoo to the Mackinac Straits.

This includes eight grants totaling $32,879 being awarded to nonprofit organizations in the cooperative’s central region. Here's a look at notable awards to organizations in the local area:

• Angels of Action in Big Rapids
  • Receiving $2,500 for a comprehensive security system, contingent on raising the rest of the funds.
• Edgetts Wesleyan Church in Luther
  • Recieving $5,000 for an addition to securely store food pantry items, contingent on raising the rest of the funds.
• Reed City Crossroads Theatre in Reed City
  • Recieving $5,000 for a mandated roof replacement, contingent on raising the rest of the funds.
• The TEEM Center in Idlewild
  • Recieving $7,000 for a gas generator and an AED.

“Concern for community is one of the seven cooperative principles that form the backbone of Great Lakes Energy," Great Lakes Energy President and CEO Shaun Lamp said. "The People Fund is a great way for us to partner with our members to accomplish this important goal. The results of this partnership can be seen in many local programs and projects throughout the communities we serve.”

The program's funding comes from electric cooperative members who agree to have their monthly bills rounded up to the next whole dollar.

The Great Lakes Energy People Fund is now accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations for the final 2025 grant cycle through its online portal. The deadline for submitting letters of interest through the portal is Oct. 1, and grant applications are due by Oct. 15. Visit gtlakes.com/people-fund/ to learn more.