ELLSWORTH – Second quarter grants were recently awarded by Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), to six local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved a total of $3,000 in grants, split evenly, to the Durand Fire Relief Association, Healing Play, Inc., The Luke 3:11 Project, Pierce County Historical Association, the Prescott Fire Department, and the River Bluff Humane Society. Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who generously round up their monthly energy bills to the nearest dollar through Operation Round Up^®, as well as direct donations.  

Durand Fire Relief Association received their $500 grant which will all go towards a new tanker/tender truck. Healing Play, Inc. plans to use their grant to invest in accessible surfacing for phase 2 of their Fairy Wonderland Park. The Luke 3:11 Project is putting their grant into purchasing heavy winter gloves/mittens for adults and children, adult winter boots, snow pants for all ages, and adult winter coats. Pierce County Historical Association will spend its $500 on purchasing new acid-free storage boxes to store military uniforms. Prescott Fire Department’s grant will be spent on a thermal imager for their Tender 2 firetruck. The River Bluff Humane Society’s grant will help them continue their mission of providing shelter, food, and veterinary care for stray, injured, and homeless animals.

The Board of Directors also approved $5,560 in educational grants funded by the Federated Youth Foundation. These grants were presented to four local organizations: CVTC Foundation, Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library, Positive Solutions Class, and the Community Safety Net. Federated Youth Foundation is funded through abandoned capital credits.

CVTC Foundation Inc. received a $2,100 grant to support the costs of laptops for their students. Friends of The Ellsworth Public Library is using their $2,000 grant to help fund their very popular summer programs. Positive Solutions Class’s $500 grant will go towards purchasing books and supplies. Positive Solutions is a state initiative program/class that promotes positive relationships in a family and helps with challenging behaviors that may arise. The Community Safety Net received a $960 grant and will give Ellsworth children a powerful family book, teaching kids how to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid dangerous situations. 

“PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up^® make these grants possible,” said PPCS president and CEO Nate Boettcher. “Individually, members contribute just a few cents each month, but collectively, these donations provide significant support to local non-profits. We are grateful that over 70 percent of our members support our community by participating in Operation Round Up^®.”

Pierce Pepin Cares provides charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that offer programs and support projects to enhance the quality of life for those within the communities PPCS serves.  Pierce Pepin Cares grants are awarded quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors. All nine PPCS directors serve on the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors, along with one PPCS member and one PPCS employee. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying may visit www.piercepepin.coop or call 800-924-2133 for information. The next application deadline is June 15. 

Federated Youth Foundation is funded through unclaimed patronage capital. Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services accepts grant requests through Pierce Pepin Cares, its 501(c)(3) non-profit. Requests are evaluated based on how they enhance the quality of life for those within the communities served by PPCS. Grants are awarded quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors. All nine PPCS directors serve on the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors along with one PPCS member and one PPCS employee. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying may visit www.piercepepin.coop or call 800-924-2133 for information. The next application deadline is June 15. 

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services