SECO Energy Foundation Grant

The SECO Energy Foundation Grant aims to improve community quality of life through charitable initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it supports educational, environmental, energy-related, veteran, public safety, and health projects. Grants are available in two tiers: Community Grants, up to $25,000, and Mini-Grants, up to $5,000. Eligible organizations must serve SECO territories in Florida and meet specific criteria, ensuring that funding directly benefits local residents.

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative providing reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to over 250,000 members or roughly 500,000 consumers. Our seven Central Florida counties include Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter. SECO Energy is the third-largest electric co-op in Florida and the seventh largest in the nation. As a not-for-profit cooperative, SECO Energy's mission is to provide reliable and innovative energy services to our members and communities.
The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable, 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy, a Florida-based electric cooperative. The Foundation is based on the Cooperative Principle of Concern for Community. It achieves its mission by providing grants to local non-profit organizations. A large part of our work is made possible by the generosity of SECO Energy members through their round-up donations.
Types of charitable programs the Foundation supports:

• Educational STEM Projects
• Supporting educational projects and initiatives that focus on science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM).
• Environmental Projects
• Committed to environmental stewardship and supporting projects that protect, improve or restore natural resources.
• Energy-Related Projects
• Supporting programs related to energy efficiency, conservation, renewable generation, education and research / development.
• Veterans Initiatives
• Supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families.
• Public Safety Programs
• Supporting education, training and protection programs and initiatives.
• Health/Human Services

The SECO Energy Foundation has two (2) grant tiers:

• Community Grants

These grants are limited to $25,000 in any 12-month period. As part of our commitment to being responsible stewards of public donations, Community Grants require an audit or review by a certified, independent auditor.
Mini-Grants
These grants are limited to $5,000 per grant application submission. Once the program/project is complete and a Final Grant Report has been submitted, organizations may reapply for another grant. Mini-Grants are limited to $10,000 in any 12-month period. These grants do not require an audit or review from a certified, independent auditor.
You will have the option to specify whether you are requesting for a Community Grant or a Mini-Grant.

Eligibility

Charitable organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements: Organized and operates for charitable purposes which are:tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and can produce IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter; ortax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and is an organization described in Section 509(a)(1) without a determination letter; oran organization to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(v); andCompleted three or more years of continuous operation, Annually file IRS Form 990 or 990EZ or other annual form as required by the IRS in accordance with your nonprofit designation, Be registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions. The project in which funding is sought must assist residents in one of the following SECO Territories: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and/or Sumter Counties.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not award grants to: Individuals For-profit organizations 501(c)(3) entities not organized for charitable purposes Fundraising or sports-related events Non-charitable event or corporate sponsorship requests Religious organizations, unless the gift is designated to a program that is secular in nature and benefits a broad range of the community (e.g., soup kitchens and homeless shelters that meet the minimum grant eligibility requirements). Additionally, the program must have a formal mission and separate budget and staff. Political organizations or lobbying activity Labor unions Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans or disability statuses in the delivery of services or in their employment practices.
The Foundation will generally not consider applications to fund: Expenses that are not directly related to the project or program; Salaries of administrative and executive staff; Administrative, Managerial or Fundraising Costs; The purchase of vehicles.