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Cherryland Cares

Tony Anderson, General Manager

Commitment to community has always been one of seven core cooperative principles.

One way some co-op members have helped us practice this commitment is through Cherryland’s Community Caring Fund. This fund was started 10 years ago and has given out more than $300,000 to worthy applicants.

It is funded by Cherryland members who agree to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. This averages just $6 per year, but with over 4,000 members participating, about $2,000 is collected per month.

Recently, an analysis of similar programs at other cooperatives was done with the goal of attempting to improve the program for the benefit of everyone in the six counties served by Cherryland. The fund has performed well over the years but like any successful business there is always room for improvement. If more of our 33,000 members participate, there is more that can be accomplished in our community.

While the program’s mission remains the same, the biggest change is indicated in the title above. We have changed the name to give the fund a better identity. “Cherryland Cares” will now be the face of the fund, and you will begin to see it more and more. Our goal is to have members automatically recognize what this fund is and what it does when they see the logo.

So, what exactly is the goal for the money donated? Your contributions allow this fund to benefit people in the cooperative’s six-county area by giving donations to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Michael’s Place, and a host of others. Donations focus on special projects, equipment, building construction, and longterm repairs or improvements.

The Cherryland Cares board is comprised of five co-op members who volunteertheir time to determine where the money will be distributed, using considerations such as the potential benefit to the area and entire community, the level of other community support, and the organization’s ability to deliver a quality service and results that are predictable and easily evaluated over time.

This board also makes an effort to spread the donated funds locally. For example, giving dollars collected in Benzie County to help Benzie County people and organizations.

There will be less of a focus on giving directly to individuals. These donations will be limited to individuals or families with medical emergencies or who fall victim to a disaster, such as a house fire or flood. Individuals needing assistance for regular bills, house payments or food and shelter will be directed to area organizations with professionals in place to handle these requests on a regular basis.

Applications can be obtained by calling Nick Edson, CEC’s communications and key account manager, at 486-9222. Nick can answer questions about your project and email you an application.

Awards will be made quarterly in the months of December, March, June and September on the third Monday. Applications should be received in the CEC office prior to the fifth day of these four months.

How can you sign up? Simply check the box on your monthly electric bill or call 486-9200 and tell whoever answers the phone that you want to start rounding up your bill for Cherryland Cares.

This is a program funded by what is truly “pocket change” (about 50 cents per month) when looked at on a monthly, individual basis. However, when you join together with thousands of other members, Cherryland Cares grows into something that affects many lives over the months and years to come.

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