One of Big Bend Wind’s primary goals is to be a strong community partner and establish long-term relationships with local residents. Our community grant program is one way that we can contribute to pressing community needs, help to enrich lives, and make a meaningful impact at a local level.
Guidelines
Funding requests must meet the following guidelines:
- Programs and events must directly support community needs in the areas Big Bend Wind operates.
- Big Bend Wind will consider in-kind product and service donations to organizations that meet the criteria outlined in this document.
- Donations cannot be distributed to an individual and proper tax identification must be included with the application.
Schedule and Funding
Big Bend Wind will consider making contributions to the community on a quarterly basis. There is no deadline to apply for a contribution. Each contribution will count towards the period in which the funds are distributed. Applications will be considered as they are received. If your request includes a deadline, please understand it may take up to 6 weeks for processing, should it be approved.
Area of Support
Funding requests must meet the following guidelines:
- Community Development: Programs that support economic development and enhance the quality of community life. Applicants must demonstrate how the program or event contributes to these social goals.
- Environment: Programs that possess a strong link to environmental revitalization or education, empower residents to be stewards of the environment, and/or encourage partnerships to address environmental concerns. Organizations must have a credible record of success in environmental performance.
- Education: Programs that support K-12 and higher educational institutions. This includes curriculum development, literacy, school readiness, and other initiatives that help students become successful adults. Vocational training institutions that help to build a skilled workforce to support the local community are included.
- Health & Recreation: Programs that support recreation and leisure opportunities and/or promote a healthy lifestyle. This would include athletic events or equipment.
Exclusions
The following areas are excluded from consideration:
- Private companies seeking funding for business activities
- Capital works projects (bricks and mortar)
- Government bodies traditionally funded by government
- General operating expenses/travel/accommodations
- Individuals
- Political candidates
- Programs that do not benefit the people of Cottonwood, Brown, Martin, or Jackson Counties.
Application Requirements
All requests should include the following, which can also be found on the Big Bend Wind Community Grant Application:
- The organization’s name, address, phone number, email, and contact person responsible for the request
- A brief description of the organization or program’s mission and history
- Program or event details, including description, goals, and expected community impacts
- Amount of support being requested and total budget for the project
- Opportunities for Big Bend Wind employee volunteerism
- Proof of qualifying non-profit status, including a tax-exempt determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
- Permission to publicize any donation at Big Bend Wind’s sole discretion as long as recipient is given the opportunity to review and provide comment prior to any publication
Measuring Success
Big Bend Wind may request to meet with organizations and program managers, and review policies and procedures to determine whether company support is appropriate. All funding distributions are at Big Bend Wind’s sole discretion. Opportunities for formal review, in the case of partnerships, may also be requested.
Organizations receiving funding are required to submit a simple follow-up report no later than three months after an event or within one year after funding distribution in the case of ongoing programs. Reports should include general project outcomes and results, as well as any relevant supplemental materials such as event photographs, printed materials, newsletters, etc.
You may also download a printable version of the application. Once completed, please email the completed application, along with any attachments or supporting documents to [email protected].
If you have questions about the program, please email the address above or call (507) 476-9271.