PEC awards $30,000 in community grants to support area nonprofits

JOHNSON CITY, Texas — Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) awarded $30,000 in community grants to seven local nonprofits through its Power of Change program.

Twice a year, PEC provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for qualifying projects in the cooperative’s service territory and surrounding communities. Since launching the grants program just four years ago, PEC has provided more than $245,000 in funding to more than 50 organizations.

“Our community grants program is one example of the many ways PEC lives the cooperative difference and cares for our neighbors,” PEC Community Relations Manager Caroline Tinsley Porter said. “These grants highlight the spirit of giving and generosity that encompass our communities — from the members who donate to the nonprofit staff working to improve the places we call home.”

PEC grants are made possible thanks to the generosity of members enrolled in our Power of Change program, where members opt to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar for charity. The average monthly account contribution is $0.49 per enrolled member.

• The Half Helen Foundation received a $3,900 grant to fund three new computers for their mobile vision clinic in Travis and Hays counties. The nonprofit works to close the care gap for children in low-income communities and specializes in improving children’s vision.
• The Hoover Valley Volunteer Fire and EMS is using its $4,500 grant to purchase an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), to aid in local search and rescues and wildfires.
• The Dog Alliance in Cedar Park received $5,000 to install energy-efficient windows that will help lower their electric bills and provide a safer environment for the community and animals they train. The Dog Alliance provides free service dogs to veterans with PTSD or mobility challenges, as well as local schools, children’s hospitals, nursing homes, family courts, and child advocacy centers.
• HSB Park in Horseshoe Bay will use its $5,000 grant to install a water conservation tank system. The park is an 11-acre natural preserve where area residents and visitors can learn about wildlife habitat preservation and water conservation. The park will also include educational features on birds, monarch butterflies, bees, and native wildlife.
• Operation Liberty Hill received $5,000 to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for their local food pantry, thrift store, and donation center. More than 25 volunteers give their time every day at Operation Liberty Hill, including many elderly volunteers working to improve their community. The AEDs will ensure visitors and volunteers of all ages have access to life-saving equipment should they need it.
• Dripping Springs Helping Hands received $1,800 to purchase a commercial freezer for their food pantry. Serving 300 clients in the Dripping Springs community every week, Helping Hands provides support to families and neighbors in need. Their commercial freezer will allow them to provide more groceries to families.
• Candlelight Ranch in Marble Falls will use its $4,800 grant to purchase rain barrels for a new rainwater catchment system. In addition to helping conserve water, the catchment system provides irrigation for gardens and pollinator beds, and an opportunity for children and families to learn the importance of wise-water usage. Candlelight Ranch provides hands-on programs and nature-based activities for underserved children of all abilities. 

Are you a PEC member interested in supporting local nonprofits and making a difference in your community for about $0.49 per month? Join PEC’s Power of Change and help spark positive change in your community. Visit pec.coop/power-of-change to learn more.