ALLEGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund has awarded more than $258,000 dollars in grants in 2022 to nearly 100 community groups throughout it’s 26-county service area stretching from Kalamazoo to the Straits of Mackinac.
According to a news release dated Wenesday, January 25, the south region board awarded 25 grants totaling nearly $75,000 dollars to recipients in the south service district which included Allegan, Barry, Kent, Muskegon, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newago, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties.
A number of organizations in Southwest Michigan are receiving grants to include Allegan United Methodist Church in Allegan, Christian Neighbors Southeast in Plainwell, Congregational Kitchen in Allegan, Spiritual Care Consultants of West Michigan in Hastings, and Sylvia’s Place in Allegan.
The release went onto say that funding for the program comes from members of the electric cooperation who agree to have their monthly bills rounded up to the next whole dollar, with grants being awarded annually in April and October by volunteer board members representing the cooperative’s north, central, and south regions.
“The People Fund is yet another example of the cooperative business model making a positive difference in the lives of the community,” said Great Lakes Energy President/CEO Shaun Lamp. “This program allows us to combine the power of the cooperative’s reach with the generosity of our members to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
The People Fund has awarded more than $4.2 million in grants since it’s inception in 1999.
The Great Lakes Energy People Fund is accepting applications for 2023 grants from local non-profit organizations. The deadline for the next 2023 grant cycle is April 1 to submit a letter of interest and April 15 for applications. Visit gtlakes.com/people-fund/ to submit an application.
