KAY ELECTRIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
At Kay Electric Cooperative, we love our communities and believe in the power of working together to make good things happen. Concern for Community is Cooperative Principle number seven and states, “While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.”
This principle is in full swing! North central Oklahoma organizations and community leaders can call upon KEC members to lend a hand. The Kay Electric Community Foundation is primarily funded by KEC’s K-UP program. K-UP allows KEC members, if they so choose, to have their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest dollar and the funds will then be dispersed to the Foundation. These contributions will be used for charitable and educational purposes in north central Oklahoma – KEC’s service territory and all the communities within.
The KEC Board of Directors appointed five KEC members to the foundation board. These five members are responsible for the organizational practices and establishing policy for the Foundation. Future board members will come from KEC’s membership. The Foundation Board meets quarterly to review applications and award grants to the chosen applicants.
Foundation grants are awarded primarily to the following projects and organizations: Programs, projects and organizations that are important components of a community’s overall quality of life, with emphasis on health care, senior citizens affiliated organization and projects, self-sufficiency, and basic human needs. Educational, youth programs and volunteer fire departments are also considered for grants.
To apply, applications can be picked up at KEC Headquarters in Blackwell, or you can click on the application and guidlines link to the right. For more information or questions about the application process, deadline or program please contact Desiree Whitehead at 1-580-363-1260.
All funds are kept separate from the cooperative and Foundation contributions are tax-deductible. Applications are handled with the utmost confidence and respect. Every penny will stay right here at home – Kay, Noble, Osage, Garfield and Grant counties. KEC provides electrical services to more than 5,800 meters in north central Oklahoma.
Applications will be accepted four times a year.
2025 Application Due Dates
- January 6, 2025
- April 7, 2025
- July 7, 2025
- October 6, 2025
PURPOSE
The Kay Electric Community Foundation will be funded by KUP voluntary contributions from members of the Cooperative and from other sources of funds available. KUP contributions will be used primarily in the local area served by Kay Electric Cooperative for charitable and educational purposes.
Grant availability will be promoted through direct mail to the area communities and press releases. The Foundation Board will review and distribute funds quarterly.
ELIGIBILITY:
1. Non-profit groups and organizations that serve communities located within the Kay Electric Cooperative service area.
2. Projects should fit in one or more of these categories: Community Service, Economic Development, Education and Youth, Environment, Disaster Relief.
RESTRICTIONS:
1. Contributions will generally be made only to non-profit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).
2. Contributions will not be made for:
a. Lobbying or political organizations. b. Raffles. c. Individuals. d. Capital fund campaigns. e. National fund drives. f. Advertising.
EVALUATION FACTORS
1. The following factors will be considered in the evaluation of all funding requests:
a. Potential benefit to area residents and the entire community;
b. Level of community support for the program or project;
c. Administrative capability of the organization to deliver quality service or program;
d. Results that are predictable and can be evaluated.
2. It shall be the responsibility of all Foundation directors to evaluate funding requests and allocate contributions to accomplish the purposes and intent of these guidelines.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Completed application form.
2. Detailed budget showing how requested funds will be spent.
3. Copy of the IRS tax-exempt letter if appropriate.
RETURN TO / NOTIFICATION:
Submit completed application form, budget and IRS
tax-exempt letter, if appropriate, to:
Kay Electric Cooperative
ATTN: Kay Electric Community Foundation
300 West Doolin Ave.
P.O. Box 607
Blackwell, OK 74631
Kay Electric Community Foundation will notify applicants of grant approval status as soon as possible. Inquiries may be made by calling (580) 363-1260.