LPEA awards over $373,000 in grants to La Plata, Archuleta nonprofits through in 2024
Members can contribute through Round Up Foundation fund
La Plata Electric Association distributed over $373,000 to nonprofits or services in 2024, including over $177,600 to 50 nonprofits in La Plata and Archuleta counties. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
La Plata Electric Association’s Round Up Foundation distributed over $373,000 to nonprofits in La Plata and Archuleta counties in 2024.
The grant funding is sourced from LPEA members who opt to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar. Last year, 16,715 LPEA members contributed to the Foundation, which distributed over $177,600 to 50 nonprofits, according to LPEA.
The Round Up Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life in the community, contributed to emergency assistance funds for individuals and families by providing over $123,000 to the Community Emergency Assistance Coalition, a homeless prevention group, and over $10,200 to the Pagosa Outreach Connection, an LPEA news release said.
“Through the collective power of our members’ monthly contributions, we’ve been able to make a substantial impact,” Carrie Hugus, LPEA community outreach specialist, said in the release. “The Round Up Foundation embodies the strength and generosity of our community, and we’re grateful to all who participate.”
Some recipients of Round Up grants in 2024 were the Powerhouse, the San Juan Mountains Association, Parker’s Animal Rescue, and Casting for Recovery, according to LPEA.
Trout Unlimited’s Casting for Recovery, the Powerhouse, the San Juan Mountains Association, and Parker’s Animal Rescue were some of the nonprofits that benefited from grant funding from La Plata Electric Association in 2024. (Courtesy of La Plata Electric Association)
The Round Up Foundation accepts grant applications from registered nonprofits for up to $5,000 per request; organizations are eligible for grants to fund educational, environmental sustainability, health care, and social services initiatives, LPEA said in the release.
LPEA members on average donate about $7 annually to the grant fund, which LPEA described as “small change that makes a big difference.” Members can also make additional donations monthly.
“Beyond member contributions, unclaimed capital credits were used to fund educational grants, with more than $62,708 allocated this year to support local education initiatives,” the release said.
The Round Up Foundation accepts grant applications year-round, with applications due on the first business day of each month and reviews by the Foundation board carried out on the last Monday of each month, according to the Foundation’s webpage. Grants are typically awarded about a month after review.
LPEA members interested in enrolling in the Round Up Foundation’s program can do so at lpea.coop/round-foundation.
