Randolph EMC’s core values guide our philanthropic efforts, and our People Helping People (PHP) program is one example of how the cooperative is dedicated to making a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve.

The Sharing Success Community Grants Program is a special project of PHP, made possible through the generosity of CoBank, an industry lender. Community Grant funds are separate and distinct from monthly member contributions to PHP.

“Since 2015, the PHP Board of Directors has awarded over $66,000 in grants to nonprofits that lend a helping hand,” said Nicole Arnold, Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Randolph EMC. “We are pleased to announce that this year, the Board will award more than ever before.”

Randolph EMC’s 501(c)3 organization People Helping People (PHP) will distribute $20,000 for the 2021 grant cycle. Qualifying organizations may apply for up to $2,000 in funding to implement programs or purchase necessary equipment to facilitate programs that will make a positive impact in the communities where Randolph EMC member-owners reside.

“Since 2015, the PHP Board of Directors has awarded over $66,000 in grants to nonprofits that lend a helping hand. We are pleased to announce that this year, the Board will award more than ever before.

The application is available online. Completed applications must be received electronically by May 31, 2021.

CoBank allocates $4 million annually to match cooperatives’ charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations in their local communities. For 2021, CoBank matched Randolph EMC’s donation of $10,000 to PHP to provide a total of $20,000 in grant funding for nonprofit agencies in Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Alamance and Chatham counties.

People Helping People is most effective when it focuses on helping people in need and providing support to community organizations that enjoy universal support among the members. Projects submitted for consideration should do the following:

• Positively impact a significant number of community members, and
• Meet needs in any of the following areas:
  • Health & Well-being: meet basic human needs to ensure continued well-being;
  • Financial Support: provide support for families in income-challenged situations; or
  • Education Advancement: provide or enrich learning opportunities for the community at-large.

Timely applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• The potential to impact a significant number of community members,
• The potential direct benefit to Randolph EMC members,
• Level of community support for the program or project,
• Organization’s capability to deliver a quality service or program and leverage resources through other funding, in-kind donations, volunteers and/or partnerships,
• Predictability of anticipated 12-month results,
• Supported photos and diagrams,
• Effective use of prior grants, and
• Equitable distribution of funds throughout the five-county service area.

For additional information or questions, please contact Nicole Arnold at 336-625-5177 or Nicole.Arnold@RandolphEMC.com.