ELLSWORTH – Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), recently awarded second-quarter grants to five nonprofits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved a $500 grant for the Cooperative Family Fund, a $719 grant for the Foundation for Rural Housing, a $1,000 grant for the Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corporation, a $1,500 grant for the Durand Fire Relief Association, and a $2,000 grant for Healing Play, Incorporated.

The Cooperative Family Fund requested a grant to support its program to aid the children of deceased cooperative employees. The nonprofit organization will set aside $10,000 per affected child, which can be accessed once the child reaches 18 years of age. The Durand Fire Relief Association requested a grant to purchase a new Tender (water truck) to replace its 1990 GMC Topkick tender. Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corporation will use the grant money to sponsor the second annual Empower Ellsworth Awards, which allows Ellsworth students to apply for grants for service-learning projects in the Ellsworth community. The Foundation for Rural Housing grant will be used to assist individuals in rural communities with housing and energy needs. Healing Play, Inc. will use the grant money to purchase equipment for Phase 2 of Fairy Wonderland Park.

“The grants requested in the second quarter represent diverse needs in our community. We are grateful to the PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up^®, voluntarily rounding up their monthly energy bills and making the work of Pierce Pepin Cares possible,” said Nate Boettcher, PPCS’ president and CEO. “We are proud that over 70% of our members participate in Operation Round Up^®. Everyone in our community benefits from their generosity.” 

Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up^®, as well as direct donations. 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 served by PPCS. 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. 

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services