Educational Grants

Educational Grants

Funder: LA PLATA ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION INC (LPEA Round Up Foundation)

Geographic Scope: La Plata and Archuleta Counties within LPEA's service territory

Mission: Fund initiatives that expand access to education, build skills, and support learning opportunities for students and lifelong learners in communities within LPEA's service territory.

Funding Details

• Award Amount: Up to $3,000 per non-profit organization
• Funding Timeline:
- Application Submission Due: First business day of each month - Review: Generally last Monday of each month (may be delayed during high application volume) - Award: Typically within 3-4 weeks following board meeting

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a non-profit organization in good standing with the IRS
• Must serve communities within LPEA's service territory
• Must demonstrate a direct educational need or benefit
• Request limit: $3,000 or less per non-profit organization
• Frequency restriction: Have not received an Educational Grant within the last 12 months

What They Do NOT Fund

• For-profit organizations
• Non-specific operating expenses (salary, overhead assistance)
• Solar projects
• LPEA utility bills

Funding Source

Funded by LPEA's unclaimed Capital Credits designated to support education, special projects, and programs.

Contact Information

• Email: grants@lpea.coop or chugus@lpea.coop
• Phone: (970) 247-5786 or (970) 382-3505
• Contact: Carrie Hugus, Community Outreach Specialist
• Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Durango Office: 45 Stewart St, Durango, CO 81303 (7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
• Pagosa Office: 603 S 8th St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)

Grant History

LPEA has funded educational grants since at least 2016, supporting diverse organizations including schools, arts organizations, youth programs, libraries, and community learning centers. Total donations have ranged from $44,672 (2020) to $72,748 (2022) annually.