Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc is a public charity based in Bastrop, Texas. Its stated mission is to provide quality and reliable electric service to cooperative members. The cooperative also supports nonprofits and community projects through donations, sponsorships, volunteerism, and a Community Grant program operated in partnership with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc at a glance
In short: Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc gave $107K across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $11K), mostly in Texas. 20% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $107,457
- +18.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- -16.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $10,746
- +41.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $9,221
- Total assets
- $876,058,516
- +9.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 20% first-time grantees (2 of 10, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Texas (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc
- How to Apply
-
For the Community Grant program, applicants apply through the LCRA grant page. Bluebonnet community representatives can assist with the application process. The website lists nonprofit organizations such as fire departments, emergency responders, cities and counties, schools, libraries, civic groups, and museums as eligible. Grants over $5,000 require a match of at least 20% of the total project cost, documented with financial or bank statements, letters of credit, or monetary-support documentation.
- Review Cycle
- The website said applications for the next Community Grant round would be accepted in January 2026. That cycle has passed.
- Deadline
- The website said applications for the next Community Grant round would be accepted in January 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 729, Bastrop, TX 78602-0729
Phone: (888) 622-2583
Website: https://bluebonnet.coop
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Seton Hays Foundation ($25K). Together the top 10 received $107K.
Grant Size Distribution
40 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 40 grants of 40 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2024 went to recipients in Texas. The 2024 recipients listed in the filing were in Kyle, San Marcos, Giddings, Austin, Bastrop, Brenham, Bryan, and Lockhart. The website says Bluebonnet supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits within the 14 counties it serves; it also describes the Community Grant program as serving the LCRA wholesale electric, water, and transmission service areas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc open to new grantees?
20%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 10 grantees (20%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $16K; repeat grants $10K. How we count
Medians: $16K first-time, $9K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $24K (2020) to $107K (2024). In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $107K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Seton Hays Foundation Kyle, TX | Capital project grant for ascension seton edgar b. Davis children's care-a-van | $25,000 |
| Community Action Inc of Central Texas San Marcos, TX | Provide Home Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households | $12,370 |
| Combined Community Action Incorporated Giddings, TX | Provide Home Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households | $12,000 |
| Travis County Health & Human Services Austin, TX | Provide Home Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households | $12,000 |
| Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Bastrop, TX | 2024 contributions, state of the city table, 2024 man of the year award sponsor, full hitch reserved table, first responders luncheon sponsor, mingle n jingle holiday mixer, chamber luncheon, and chamber banquet sponsor | $9,801 |
| Washington County Fair Association Brenham, TX | Fundraiser Sponsorships for County Fair | $8,640 |
| Brazos Valley Community Action Program Bryan, TX | Provide Home Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households | $8,466 |
| Children's Advocacy Center Bastrop, TX | Recognition day 2024 charity donation, 2024 contribution and heroes for hope sponsorship, and adopt-a-family donation | $7,800 |
| San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce San Marcos, TX | 2024 contribution/annual dues, 2024 chamber cornhole tournament sponsor, state of the city luncheon, 2024 business on the green golf tournament, state of workforce & education summit, 2024 chamber dinner & awards gala, silent auction items. | $6,345 |
| Lockhart Chamber of Commerce Lockhart, TX | Supply purchase for chamber banquet and corportate level membership | $5,035 |
Ready to take the next step with Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $876,058,516 | $365,251,747 | $363,833,112 | $107,457 | 10 | $1,229,968 |
| 2023 | $803,686,235 | $310,953,850 | $310,074,933 | $90,898 | 12 | $750,740 |
| 2022 | $731,168,086 | $304,607,852 | $302,622,296 | $100,003 | 11 | $1,847,070 |
| 2021 | $657,902,626 | $247,741,918 | $247,578,217 | $25,481 | 4 | $118,995 |
| 2020 | $613,433,209 | $227,422,554 | $226,836,206 | $23,750 | 3 | $279,495 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is “to provide quality and reliable electric service to members of the cooperative.” Its filing describes providing electric energy to members on a cooperative basis through the allocation of patronage capital.
The website says the LCRA Community Grant program supports capital improvements, with examples including emergency equipment for first responders; improvements to fire stations, parks, libraries, and community centers; energy-efficient lighting and electrical upgrades; and accessibility and building repairs. Eligible organizations include nonprofit groups such as fire departments, emergency responders, cities and counties, schools, libraries, civic groups, and museums.
The 2024 grants also show support for home energy assistance, a children’s care-a-van capital project, local chambers of commerce, a county fair association, and a children’s advocacy center. The grantees describe their own work in varied terms: Community Action Inc. of Central Texas says it assists low- to moderate-income families through social services and economic opportunities; Combined Community Action says it provides low-income families with services including utility assistance and weatherization; and the Brazos Valley Community Action Program says it works to help individuals, families, and communities reach their potential through community resources.
The 2024 filing also describes a Rural Scholarship Fund established with amounts designated unclaimed under Texas law. It says those funds can only be used for scholarships enabling students from rural areas to attend postsecondary education institutions.
Grantmaking
The 2024 filing reports 10 grants totaling $107,457. Grants ranged from $5,035 to $25,000, with a median of $9,220. The largest award was $25,000 to The Seton Hays Foundation for a capital project grant for Ascension Seton Edgar B. Davis Children’s Care-a-Van. Other large grants included $12,370 to Community Action Inc. of Central Texas, $12,000 each to Combined Community Action and Travis County Health & Human Services, and $8,466 to Brazos Valley Community Action Program; these four awards were for home energy assistance to low-income households. The cooperative also gave $9,801 to the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and $8,640 to the Washington County Fair Association.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ervin B. Flencher Jr. as chairman, Roderick Emanuel as vice chairman, Robert Mikeska as secretary/treasurer, and Byron Balke as assistant secretary/treasurer. It also lists directors Bryan Bracewell, Deborah Goertz, Russell Jurk, Milton Shaw, and Carrissa Whiteley, and General Manager Matthew Bentke.
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc is led by Ervin B. Flencher Jr., Chairman on every filing since 2020; all 19 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ervin B. Flencher Jr.
Chairman
On filings since 2020
9.9 hrs/week
$46K (2020) → $49K (2024)
Bryan Bracewell
Director
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Carrissa Whiteley
Director
On filings since 2020
6.8 hrs/week
$43K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Deborah Goertz
Director
On filings since 2020
7.6 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Milton Shaw
Director
On filings since 2020
9 hrs/week
$41K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Russell Jurk
Director
On filings since 2020
8.3 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Byron Balke
Assistant Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
8.7 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Daniel Fowler
Manager of Tech Programs
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$181K (2020) → $302K (2024)
Eric Kocian
Chief Engineer & System Ops Officer
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$333K (2020) → $489K (2024)
Grant Gutierrez
Chief Financial Officer
CIO, Controller & CFO → CFO, 2022
CFO → Chief Financial Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$333K (2020) → $485K (2024)
Phillip Ellis
Manager of Technical Services
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$188K (2020) → $299K (2024)
Rachel Ellis
Chief Administrative Officer
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$302K (2020) → $359K (2024)
Robert Mikeska
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
8.6 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $46K (2024)
Roderick Emanuel
Vice Chairman
On filings since 2020
8.4 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $46K (2024)
Sarah Newman-Altamirano
General Counsel
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$380K (2020) → $524K (2024)
Thomas Ellis
Manager of Engineering
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$185K (2020) → $300K (2024)
Wesley Brinkmeyer
Manager Community & Developmental Services
Manager of Energy Services → Manager Community & Development Services, 2023
Manager Community & Development Services → Manager Community & Developmental Services, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$192K (2020) → $322K (2024)
William Holford
Manager of Public Affairs
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$253K (2020) → $309K (2024)
Matthew Bentke
General Manager
Gm & CEO → General Manager, 2023
On filings since 2022
60 hrs/week
$855K (2022) → $971K (2024)
Former officers (9)
- Former: Barbara Seilheimer (2020–2021) — Manager of Member Services
- Former: David Tobola (2020–2021) — Manager of Operations
- Former: Jennifer Foery (2020–2021) — Manager of Human Resources
- Former: Joey Tobola (2020–2021) — Manager of Contractors
- Former: John Sanders (2020–2021) — Manager of Community & Econ Development
- Former: Matt Bentke (2020–2021) — COO & CEO
- Former: Elizabeth Kana Jan-Feb (2021) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Elizabeth Kana (2020) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Heidi Exner (2020) — Assistant Controller
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $971K, to Matthew Bentke (General Manager). 19 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc
How much does Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc give each year?
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc gave $107K across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $91K across 12 grants.
What is Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's typical grant size?
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's median grant in 2024 was $9,221, and its average grant was $10,746, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc that year got $16K on average.
Where does Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc give grants?
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc gives mostly in Texas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were San Marcos, TX (2 grants) and Bastrop, TX (2 grants).
Does Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Provide Home Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households" (4 grants).
Who are Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's largest grantees?
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's largest 2024 grantees include The Seton Hays Foundation ($25,000), Community Action Inc of Central Texas ($12,370) and Combined Community Action Incorporated ($12,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 46% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc?
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc reported $876.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $365.3M.
What does Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is “to provide quality and reliable electric service to members of the cooperative.” Its filing describes providing electric energy to members on a cooperative basis through the allocation of patronage capital. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc?
For the Community Grant program, applicants apply through the LCRA grant page. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's EIN?
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-0754103. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 6, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/bluebonnet-electric-cooperative-inc-morg_7e97e9d712334407838969c68b22bb19
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_740754103_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/bluebonnet-electric-cooperative-inc-morg_7e97e9d712334407838969c68b22bb19},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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