How much funding does Cooperative Heroes Award provide?

Cooperative Heroes Award provides First place: $1,000; Second place: $500; Third place: $500 in funding.

When is the deadline for Cooperative Heroes Award?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around November.

Who is eligible for Cooperative Heroes Award?

Eligible applicants: Nominees can be any individual in Minnesota making positive differences in their communities.

How often is Cooperative Heroes Award offered?

Cooperative Heroes Award runs on an annual cycle. The next deadline is expected November 15, 2026.

Cooperative Heroes Award

Lake Country Power

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Community Services Grants

Funding Amount

First place: $1,000; Second place: $500; Third place: $500

Deadline

Expected ~November

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Current deadline: November 15, 2026
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: November

From the program guidelines: “Nomination Deadline: November 15 (annually)”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Nominees can be any individual in Minnesota making positive differences in their communities

Other requirements

Nominee does not need to be a co-op member
Nominations can come from co-op members, employees, and directors

Overview

Funder: Lake Country Power and Minnesota's electric cooperatives (collaboration of 44 distribution cooperatives)

This award honors individuals making meaningful contributions and positive impacts in their communities. It replaced the Touchstone Energy Community Award (which operated since 2005). The award recognizes community heroes and provides funding to support local nonprofits or causes of their choice.

Geographic Scope: State of Minnesota (served by 44 distribution cooperatives covering 85% of Minnesota and reaching every county)

Values: Celebrates cooperative values of integrity, innovation, reliability, accountability, and commitment to community

Award Amounts:

First place: $1,000 (to support nonprofit/cause of their choice)
Second place: $500 (to support nonprofit/cause of their choice)
Third place: $500 (to support nonprofit/cause of their choice)

Selection: Judges evaluate applications for demonstrated cooperative values and community impact. Three outstanding winners are selected annually.

Eligibility:

Nominees can be any individual in Minnesota making positive differences in their communities
Nominee does not need to be a co-op member
Nominations can come from co-op members, employees, and directors

Timeline:

Nominations open: October 1
Nominations close: November 15
Winner announcement: January

Application: Short application available online

How to Apply

Application Process

Access Application: Short application form available online at www.mrea.org/programs/touchstone-energy
Submit Nomination: Complete nomination form with information about the nominee and their community contributions
Nomination Period: October 1 through November 15 (annually)
Review: Applications reviewed and judged for demonstration of cooperative values (integrity, innovation, reliability, accountability, commitment to community)
Winners Announced: January (following nomination period)