Cooperative Heroes Award
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)
Application Details
- Short application format
- Nomination by co-op members, employees, or directors
- Evaluates community impact and alignment with cooperative values
- Results are predictable and can be evaluated
Key Dates
- Nomination Opens: October 1 (annually)
- Nomination Deadline: November 15 (annually)
- Winner Announcement: January (following year)
What Lake Country Power actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 1
- Total given
- $8,500
- Median grant
- $8,500
- By dollars: Minnesota 100%. Top recipient cities: Duluth, MN.
Example grants
Better in Our Back Yard · Duluth, MN
Membership and gold sponsorship winter dinner
$8,500
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Nonprofits
- Community services
Categories
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