Minnesota Energy Resources created an innovative grant opportunity of up to $3,000 for non-profit organizations located and operating in their service area called “It’s Worth the Energy.” Organizations that wished to be selected for the grant were asked to submit a project proposal aimed at improving the community in one of three areas: Environment, Community or Human Services.
An independent panel of judges selected the top three projects to be voted on by followers that “like” Minnesota Energy Resources’ Facebook page. Voting will end October 1 and then the winner will be announced on October 2 on Facebook. All three project finalists will receive a grant of $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 depending on how many votes they receive.
The three finalist organizations selected for voting are as follows:
- 360 Communities, Burnsville, MN
- Boys + Girls Club of Rochester and Child Care Resource & Referral Head Start, Rochester, MN
- Headwaters Science Center, Bemidji, MN
If you are interested in voting, head to Minnesota Energy Resources’ Facebook page, click “like” and then go here to vote once per day. To help you decide, here is information about each organization’s potential plans for the grant:
- 360 Communities plan to use their grant money to support Family Resource Centers to help with emergency and basic needs while focusing on solutions to prevent future crises and promoting self-sufficiency.
- Boys & Girls Club of Rochester and Child Care Resource & Referral Head Start will put the grant money towards programs to create a future where kids have an increased school readiness, higher graduation rates, increased employment, stronger families and a better future for Minnesota.
- Headwaters Science Center plan to use the grant money to help pilot three new outreach programs and professional development sessions for educators. These programs will partner with schools in rural Minnesota to engage students and teachers in hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and match activities.
It is not too late to make a difference! To show your support for one of these groups, go online and vote by October 1.
*Communications & Marketing Department Intern Terence Edelman contributed to this story.
