The Power of Change Grants

The Power of Change grant program is operated by the Community Awareness of Rappahannock Electric Charity, Inc. (CARE Charity, Inc.), which is affiliated with the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC). This funding initiative is primarily supported by voluntary contributions from REC members and other donations made for charitable purposes. The program is designed to support local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that operate within REC’s service territory. The primary aim is to fund community-oriented programs and services that deliver broad, nonsectarian benefits to local populations, with a special emphasis on categories such as community service, health, safety, recreation, education, youth initiatives, and environmental projects. The grant opportunity is made available twice per year, with application windows opening from December through February 10 and again from June through August 10. For the current cycle, the application window opened in June 2025 and will close on August 10, 2025. During each cycle, funding decisions are made at a subsequent CARE Board meeting—March for spring applicants and September for fall applicants. Notifications are issued in April and October, respectively, and funding is disbursed to approved recipients at that time. Organizations must submit a complete application to be considered for funding. This includes not only the application form itself but also a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, the most recent Form 990 or Form 990-EZ with proof of filing or exemption, a recent financial report, and additional supporting documentation such as brochures, fact sheets, project budgets, bids or estimates for proposed work, and a detailed project timeline. The organization must also include a statement on how lack of funding would impact its operations, along with plans to publicize the support from The Power of Change program. Applications are evaluated by the CARE Charity Board of Directors based on several criteria: community support, the potential benefit to the community, the feasibility and sustainability of the project, and the organization’s capacity to effectively deliver services. The Board does not award grants exceeding $10,000 without a majority vote and retains discretion in distributing funds in accordance with organizational bylaws. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving one or more counties in the REC service territory. Grants will not be awarded to individuals, for-profit entities, political organizations, schools and affiliated groups, or for activities such as lobbying, fundraising events, capital campaigns, or operating costs like salaries or utility bills. Religious organizations may apply if the funded program is non-sectarian and benefits the broader community, such as a food or clothing pantry. Questions regarding the application process or eligibility may be directed to The Power of Change via email at ThePowerOfChange@myrec.coop or by phone at 800-552-3904. Additional documentation, such as guidelines and evaluation forms, can be found at thepowerofchange.org. To remain eligible for future funding, recipients must wait two years before reapplying and must submit a completed Grant Evaluation Form within twelve months of receiving funds.

All application fields must be completed. Incomplete applications will be denied.