Parke County REMC receives matching grant for local nonprofits

Parke County REMC recently donated $2,500 to the Putnam County Rapid Relief Fund and $2,000 to Partnership Parke County. With continued uncertainty during this time, the electric cooperative wanted to make a greater impact.

“Parke County REMC is proud to serve in the communities we live in,” said CEO Chadd Jenkins. “Concern for community is not only a cooperative principle, but one of our core values.”

CoBank’s Sharing Success Program was offering a matching grant to those trying to make a difference in our communities. Parke County REMC applied for a matching grant for the $2,500 donation to the Putnam County Relief Fund, which was reviewed and approved. The Putnam County Rapid Relief Fund will receive an additional $2,500 to help support local nonprofits, charities and agencies serving community members affected by COVID-19.

“We are grateful for (their) support and going the extra mile to get the CoBank match,” said Dean Gambill, community development director for the Putnam County Community Foundation.

Parke County REMC was also approved for the matching grant to help Partnership Parke County. CoBank will match the $2,000 donation in an unrestricted fund. Partnership Parke County promotes economic development in Parke County.

“Not-for-profits always seem to have a serious need for funding, no matter how successful they are,” said Mary Jo Harney, secretary of Partnership Parke County. “When a group functions in a small rural area, then the needs are many and the sources for funding will be with serious limits. Such is the case with Partnership Parke County. A huge thank you to Parke County REMC for their efforts on our behalf.”

“In addition to the financial support received from Parke County REMC, we value their partnership as we work together to strengthen and grow the economy in Parke County,” Cyndi Todd, executive director of Partnership Parke County, added.

“Both organizations have such a positive impact in our communities. Applying for a matching grant was the least we could do,” Jenkins said also. “We will continue to serve our communities in ways beyond keeping the lights on.”

If an organization is interested in applying for a grant from the Putnam County Rapid Relief Fund, requests can be submitted online at https://bit.ly/2WMXGRX.

Donations can be made to the Putnam County Rapid Relief Fund at https://pcfoundation.org/donate.html or by mail to 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN 46135. Checks should be made payable to the Putnam County Community Foundation and note that the gift be directed toward the fund.

For more information about Partnership Parke County, visit https://www.partnershipparkecounty.com/.