The Power of Change Grants

The Power of Change is a charitable grant program administered by the Community Awareness of Rappahannock Electric Charity, Inc. (CARE Charity), a nonprofit organization associated with the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC). The program is funded primarily by voluntary donations from REC members, along with other contributions received for charitable purposes. CARE Charity serves as the administrator, overseeing the distribution of funds in accordance with predefined guidelines to support nonprofit initiatives within REC’s service area. This grant program is designed to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations delivering impactful services in areas such as community service, education, youth, health, recreation, safety, and environmental causes. Grants are restricted to organizations that serve counties within the REC service territory. Religious organizations are eligible to apply, but only for nonsectarian community-serving programs, such as food or clothing pantries. Funding is not available for individuals, political or lobbying activities, advertising, operational expenses, electric bills, salaries, benefits, or capital campaigns. Grants are awarded in two funding cycles each year: the spring round, with applications accepted from December through February 10, and the fall round, with applications accepted from June through August 10. For the current cycle, applications opened in December and will close on February 10, 2026. All applications must be complete; incomplete submissions are automatically denied. A wide range of documentation is required, including a complete application, proof of nonprofit status, financial reports, IRS Form 990, a detailed project timeline, budget, and any bids or quotes supporting the request. Only one application may be submitted within a twelve-month period, and recipients must wait two years after receiving a grant—and must submit a completed Grant Evaluation Form—before reapplying. Evaluation criteria include community support, the potential benefit to residents, sustainability and measurability of outcomes, organizational capacity, and the consequences of not receiving funding. All applications are reviewed by the CARE Board of Directors, which meets in March and September to evaluate submissions and make award determinations. Applicants are notified of their status in April and October. Grant awards over $10,000 require a majority vote from the entire Board. Approved organizations are expected to help promote the value of The Power of Change and encourage community participation in the donation program. Organizations can access the application through the official website at www.thepowerofchange.org. Inquiries about the program can be made via phone at (800) 552-3904 or by emailing [email protected].

Ensure the application is fully complete and includes all required documentation; incomplete applications will be denied automatically.