Cooperative Heroes Award (formerly Touchstone Energy Community Award)
Funding Amount
$1,000 (first place), $500 (second place), $500 (third place)
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
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Overview
Cooperative Heroes Award
Purpose: Recognize individuals in the community who consistently go above and beyond to make life better for others by supporting local nonprofits, helping neighbors in need, or organizing projects with lasting impact. The award highlights cooperative principles including integrity, accountability, innovation, reliability, and commitment to community.
Geographic Scope: Minnesota (served by 44 electric distribution cooperatives serving 85% of the state and touching every county)
Award Focus: Individuals who put cooperative values into action every day
Award Winners and Funding
- First Place: $1,000 to support a cause or nonprofit of the winner's choice
- Second Place: $500 to support a cause or nonprofit of the winner's choice
- Third Place: $500 to support a cause or nonprofit of the winner's choice
Selection Criteria
Judges evaluate nominees based on:
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Reliability
- Commitment to community
Related Program
The Touchstone Energy Community Award continues to celebrate outstanding local organizations and businesses (separate from the individual-focused Cooperative Heroes Award).
How to Apply
Application Process
- Access the nomination form online at www.mrea.org/programs/touchstone-energy
- Complete the short and simple application with nominee information
- Submit nominations by November 15
Required Information
- Nominee name and contact information
- Description of nominee's community contributions
- Examples of how the nominee demonstrates cooperative values
- Your contact information as the nominator
- (Specific narrative questions and detailed requirements are referenced as "short and simple" but full details not provided in source material)
What Itasca-Mantrap Co-Op Electrical Ass'n actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 1
- Total given
- $13K
- Median grant
- $13K
- By dollars: Minnesota 100%. Top recipient cities: Park Rapids, MN.
Example grants
Itasca-Mantrap Co-Op Electrical Ass'n Trust · Park Rapids, MN
General funding
$13K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Nonprofits
- Community services
Categories
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