One of Victory Electric’s most unique and exciting community programs is the CoBank Sharing Success grant program, open to local nonprofit organizations. Aimed at supporting local communities and people, the grant is made possible by Victory Electric’s governing board of trustees, in partnership with CoBank – a national nonprofit cooperative bank owned by the rural American cooperatives it services.
“Rural communities and cooperatives like Victory Electric are lucky to have the generous support of CoBank and we are thankful for the contributions enabling us to help make our communities a better place to live and work,” said Jerri Whitley, Victory Electric vice president of communications. “In the last nine years, Victory Electric has awarded $105k in Sharing Success grants to nonprofit organizations in our service area.”
CoBank’s $5 million Sharing Success fund matches charitable contributions made by its cooperative members to local nonprofits in their individual communities. The matching grant program is designed to celebrate the vital role that cooperatives play in individual communities across the country. CoBank states that collaborating with their customers to support worthy causes they care about is a great way for them to make a positive difference and fulfill its mission of service to rural America. Since its inception in 2012, the program has generated more than $50 million in total charitable donations, primarily in rural areas across the country.
“Thanks to the generosity of Victory Electric’s board of trustees and CoBank, the Sharing Success Grant enables us to give back to the communities we serve,” said Shane Laws, CEO of Victory Electric. “We urge all eligible nonprofits to take advantage of Sharing Success and together we can make a meaningful impact in rural Kansas.”
2021 will be the tenth year for Victory Electric to award a Sharing Success grant. The Bucklin Library received the grant in 2012 to help fund the construction of its new library building. In 2013, Mission of Mercy was awarded the grant funding for its free dental clinic in Dodge City. The Stauth Memorial Museum in Montezuma applied the grant in 2014 toward the “Suits in Space” Smithsonian exhibit. In 2015, local shelter and food bank, the Manna House, was awarded the grant to repair and improve their facilities. The Depot Theater upgraded its theater sound system in 2016. In 2017, the Ford Country Historical Society made repairs to preserve the history in the Home of Stone - Mueller Schmidt House. In 2018, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office received funding for security upgrades. The Ingalls Recreation Commission funded repairs and upgrades to the Ingalls community swimming pool in 2019. Last year, the Dodge City Salvation Army and New Chance each received $10,000 for a new headquarters capital campaign and computer system upgrades, respectively.
The annual CoBank Sharing Success grant opportunity, capped at $15,000, is made possible by Victory Electric's governing board of trustees, in partnership with CoBank - a national nonprofit cooperative bank owned by the rural American cooperatives it services, including Victory Electric. The matching grant program is designed to celebrate the vital role that cooperatives play in individual communities across the country. CoBank states that partnering with their members to support worthy causes they care about is a great away for them to make a positive difference and fulfill its mission of service to rural America. Victory Electric will choose between 1 and 3 organizations to receive a portion of the $15,000 grant. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
- In general, contributions to any 501(c)(3) charity are eligible for match under the Sharing Success program. Select organizations that are not designated a 501(c)(3) may also be eligible. These organizations include schools and government organizations such as counties or municipalities and their agencies or departments, as long as the grant funding serves a public purpose and is consistent with the purpose and guidelines of the Sharing Success program.
- Organizations that are political or religious in nature, limit their activities or who qualifies for service based on religious or political affiliation, or discriminate for any reason, do not qualify.
- Grant funds must be used to benefit a community or communities that receive electric service from Victory Electric. The applicant/organization’s service area should align with or overlap with Victory Electric’s service territory and membership.
- If a grant is awarded, the funding must be used within 12 months of its award. A quarterly report on the grant project’s progress and a final report on the project’s outcome must be submitted. Victory Electric reserves the right to use photos and information about the grant award in its publicity.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.