Special to IFN
The EnergyUnited Foundation marked a second historic year of giving in 2024, achieving record milestones in nonprofit support and community giving. A total of $850,000 was awarded to assist nonprofit organizations, individuals and families in meeting grave needs throughout EnergyUnited’s service area. In 2023, the EnergyUnited Foundation provided almost $900,000 in grants.
The EnergyUnited Foundation’s record year included a notable number of nonprofit applications, with 75 organizations requesting support. A total of $300,000 was granted to nonprofits focused on addressing critical needs such as housing, utilities and humane needs.
“The EnergyUnited Foundation is more than just a source of financial support – it’s a lifeline for so many people in our communities,” said LaQuisha Parks, vice president of energy services and corporate communications for EnergyUnited. “Every contribution through Operation Round Up represents the kindness and compassion of our members. Together, we are not only meeting urgent needs, but we are also bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.”
The Foundation recorded a strong fourth quarter that included $175,000 in giving to nonprofits. In addition to funding that was provided through a special large grant program, the organization awarded grants to six nonprofits in the final three months of 2024: Camp Centurion, FACTS Initiative, Davidson Medical Ministries, Communities in Schools of Thomasville, Communities in Schools of Lexington and Davidson County and Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality.
“The EnergyUnited Foundation is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we come together to support our neighbors,” said Kerry Lawing, EnergyUnited Foundation Board president. “Every grant we award is a reminder of the compassion and generosity of EnergyUnited members, who make this critical work possible.”
One distinct difference in the EnergyUnited Foundation is the support provided to individuals and families across the EnergyUnited’s service area, in addition to the assistance provided to nonprofit organizations.
Examples of recent donations include:
* The family of a medically fragile child received financial assistance from the EnergyUnited Foundation to help replace their roof.
* A disabled veteran received financial assistance from the EnergyUnited Foundation to replace the septic system for his home.
* A family of seven received assistance for rent to avoid eviction. The mother was unable to work for an extended period of time due to health issues related to her pregnancy.
* A woman with a chronic health condition received utility bill assistance to help keep her home warm this winter.
The EnergyUnited Foundation is a voluntary, member-funded non-profit organization supported by EnergyUnited’s Operation Round-Up program. More than 80,000 EnergyUnited members choose to participate in the program by ‘rounding up’ their electric bills each month. The maximum monthly contribution for an individual member with one account is 99 cents. Each of these small contributions are pooled together in a single fund managed by the EnergyUnited Foundation to support needy individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations that complete an application explaining the reason and purpose for their requested grant.