Welcome to the first installment of our new department Positive Charge. Here we will highlight stories about affiliates like co-ops and other utility services associated with Partner Software that give back to their communities in the form of grants, donations and other services. This section will allow us a chance to share those stories and shine a light on the generous work done at the community level.
This issue will focus on Walton EMC’s School EmPOWERment Grants. Walton EMC based in Monroe, GA uses unclaimed monies to fund various community school projects. These monies are leftover each year from former customers that the co-op can not reach. The leftover funds are distributed after various public attempts to reach the former members are made.
The program has generated over $2 million dollars since its inception six years ago. This grant has provided funding for many instructional and service programs that are typically outside of the standard budget. Some projects include a Hearing and Vision Screening Kit, Book Vending Machines, and Google Chromebooks.
“After providing reliable and reasonably-priced electric power, serving our community is next on the list,” said COO Ron Marshall. “Our School EmPOWERment Grant program is a perfect example of the cooperative principle ‘Concern for community.’”
Partner Software applauds the generous work done by Walton EMC and affiliates everywhere working at the local level to improve their communities.
2021-22 Walton EMC School EmPOWERment Grants Fast Facts
Total distribution: $368,212
Average grant: $5,336
Number of grants: 69
Schools receiving grants: 63
Total since beginning of program: $2,060,087
Source of money: unclaimed refunds
More details about the grants at WaltonEMC.com
