First-quarter grants were recently awarded by Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), to four local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved a total of $3,800 in grants to the Ellsworth High School, Basics for Local Kids, the Assistance and Resource Center (ARC), and the Salvation Army.  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. 

Basics for Local Kids received a $1,000 grant to support purchasing winter wear for children in sizes that aren’t donated. ARC’s $1,000 grant will be used for general operating expenses to support ARC's mission of providing short-term financial assistance to River Falls and Ellsworth residents to help them meet their basic needs.  Ellsworth High School’s $800 grant will provide breakfast for students during the Promo Fair, an event allowing students to preview classes for the next school year and explore post-graduation opportunities. The Salvation Army received a $1,000 grant to provide emergency utility assistance.

In addition, Friends of the Spring Valley Library received a grant of $2,000 with funds from the Federated Youth Foundation. This grant will be used to replace computers utilized by community members. Federated Youth Foundation is funded through abandoned capital credits.

“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 March 15.