Vectren made nearly $2.2 million in 2011 donations, including grant to Putnam RISE

Monday, April 30, 2012

EVANSVILLE -- Detailed in its recently released annual Foundation report, Vectren Corp. has announced that it awarded nearly $2.2 million in 2011 through the Vectren Foundation and corporate gifts.

In addition, Vectren employees contributed more than 21,000 hours of community volunteer time.

With three main areas of focus, the Vectren Foundation awards grants to those opportunities that lead community revitalization, growth and development; promote energy conservation and environmental stewardship; and advance primary, secondary, post-secondary and civic education.

"By awarding grants that align with our Foundation's focus, and working directly with our communities, there is a greater opportunity to become a catalyst for lasting improvements," Vectren Vice President of Community Sustainability and Foundation President Jeff Whiteside said. "We will also continue to invest more Foundation dollars in supporting non-profit organizations through energy efficiency-related grants in order to help them or their clients lower energy costs."

Some of the grants featured in the 2011 report include:

Putnam RISE: Vectren's support of the Putnam RISE Energy Challenge in Greencastle empowered schools to compete for energy conservation results to earn cash awards.

The winning school corporation, Cloverdale Community Schools, reduced energy consumption by 20 percent during the two-month challenge, and earned a visit from U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar for their efforts.

Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe): With Vectren's support, the traveling exhibit, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home, made a three-month stop in 2011 at cMoe in Evansville, which helped drive a 25 percent increase in attendance.

Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve: With funding from Vectren, Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve near Bloomington, began its wetlands restoration project in 2011, which will restore the area's ecosystem function and benefit to the wildlife, and provide educational opportunities to visitors and students.

Boys and Girls Club of Muncie: Through its Learning Center, with funding from Vectren, the Boys and Girls Club of Muncie was able to sustain its Mitch's Kids program, helping participating Muncie youth raise their math and reading grades by more than 55 percent.

Annually, Vectren supports approximately 700 nonprofit organizations in achieving their goals and mission of assisting residents throughout Indiana and Ohio.

To review the 2011 Vectren Foundation Annual Report and complete listing of recipients, visit Vectren's Foundation website www.vectrenfoundation.org.

Organizations interested in applying for grants in 2012 and beyond can download the application from the website.

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