PEC Awards Record $30,000 In Community Grants

JOHNSON CITY, Texas — Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) announced the recipients of its fall PEC Community Grants. Six organizations each received a $5,000 grant.

The grants program supports projects at area nonprofits and is funded entirely by PEC’s Power of Change program, which allows members to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar for charity.

This fall’s $30,000 total — the most ever awarded by PEC in a cycle — was made possible by accumulated funds from member donations. PEC began awarding the grants in 2016, and since then has provided more than $166,000 to 41 nonprofits.

CASA of Central Texas will use its $5,000 grant to help fund a new facility in San Marcos. The organization advocates for children’s education, health, and mental health needs. The new volunteer center will provide a dedicated training space for the organization.

PEC Community Relations Coordinator Caroline Tinsley Porter said community grants are just one way the cooperative shows its commitment to serving its members.

“Concern for the community is one of our most important cooperative principles,” she said. “We’re committed to upholding that value; it is the backbone of our organization and truly ingrained in everything we do here at PEC.”

Learn more about the nonprofits that will benefit from PEC’s Community Grants and the projects they will help fund below:

Austin Steam Train Association
Power car restoration project

Blanco County Emergency Services Auxiliary
Computer-aided dispatching software

Blanco Good Samaritan Center
Energy-efficient lighting and insulating

CASA of Central Texas
New training and support center in San Marcos

Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center
IT equipment and infrastructure improvements

Kempner Volunteer Fire Department
New volunteer EMS branch