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 deadline is November 15, 2026.

Cooperative Heroes Award

LAKE COUNTRY POWER

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Community Services Grants

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Funding Amount

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

Deadline

November 15, 2026

220 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Cooperative Heroes Award

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

Overview: 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

1. Access Application: Short application form available online at www.mrea.org/programs/touchstone-energy

2. Submit Nomination: Complete nomination form with information about the nominee and their community contributions

3. Nomination Period: October 1 through November 15 (annually)

4. Review: Applications reviewed and judged for demonstration of cooperative values (integrity, innovation, reliability, accountability, commitment to community)

5. Winners Announced: January (following nomination period)