Objectives
To support organizations which provide assistance to Central Electric members and the surrounding communities by prioritized disbursement of funds for essential needs such as determined by the Central Electric Member Care Trust Board after investigation, evaluation and comparison of these requests.
Major Funding Categories
Organizations/Group/Charity must be non-profit. It does not have to be served by Central Electric Membership Corporation but must be served within Central Electric’s service area. Although there are many worthwhile charitable projects and community needs in our local area, the limited availability of funds require us to establish funding guidelines as follows:
- Emergency and Safety Organizations:
- Volunteer fire and rescue squads
- Domestic violence shelters
- Food Bank
Eligible funding—designated items (specific repairs, equipment, etc.) or general funding for things such as food bank, literature and supplies, operating expenses, etc.
- Health Wellness/Health Treatment
Programs or projects and/or organizations that are important components of a community’s overall quality of life, with emphasis on public safety, awareness, health care, wellness and self-sufficiency. - Education and Youth
Grants must directly affect the classroom and promote learning. School programs and initiatives that emphasize leadership, promote educational growth, combat social problems, promote wellness and encourage good behavior. Grants will not be limited to 1 grant per school as long as funds permit. - Economic and Community Development
Programs, projects and/or organizations that foster jobs or enhanced employment opportunities for members and/or provide tangible benefits to a community at large. - Environmental Enhancement/Quality of Life
Programs, projects and/or organizations that promote environmental stewardship, leadership, education for the improved quality of life for the community.
Central Electric Members Care Trust shall seek assistance through Social Services Department of Chatham, Harnett, Lee and Moore Counties to distribute $5,000/year for Central EMC member’s fuel assistance. These agencies are staffed, trained and able to determine which household have real needs, especially during crisis situations. Members are limited to $150 for crisis fuel assistance per 12 month period.
Fund Restrictions
Contributions to organizations will generally be made only to public organizations and non-profits that have been granted tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c) (3). Exceptions to this restriction can be considered based on individual circumstances as determined by the Trust Board. Generally, contributions to organizations will NOT be made for:
- Religious organizations or religion based initiatives
- Political organizations including lobbying or campaigns
- Endowment fund drives or annual agency fund drives
- General operating expenses—i.e., advertising, salaries, electric bills, start-up expenses
- Individuals electric bills
- Sports sponsorships
Limit
No more than $3,000 annually as established in the TRUST Bylaws.
Reapplication
An organization may re-apply annually; however, re-application does not guarantee funding, due to prioritized disbursement.
Responsibility
The Central Electric Member Care Trust Board shall be responsible for the administration of this policy and for making recommended revisions.
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