Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation

Commitment to Community

Commitment to community is one of our core cooperative principles. To expand that commitment, PPCS launched its charitable foundation, Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation, Inc., in 2021. This 501(c)(3) charitable organization seeks to support programs and projects in the PPCS service territory that enhance the quality of life within our communities. Examples include public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, basic human needs, education, cultural environment enhancements, and combating economic and social problems.

Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation also sponsors Pierce Pepin Imagination Library, the joint effort of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, to provide age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five in Pierce and Pepin counties. This excellent program seeks to instill a love of reading in children to help ensure their future academic success. It truly is a scholarship program for the youngest members of our community.

Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation is funded through the generous donations of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services members enrolled in Operation Round Up and direct donations. Operation Round Up is a voluntary program that rounds up members' energy bills to the next dollar.

Grants awarded in 2025

$32,400 was awarded to local organizations in 2025 directly from the Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation. Review the list of grants here.

Grant Application

Complete the online application. Additional information and instructions are available in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Application

FAQs

Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation board of directors. Applications must be received by March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.

Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation funds are distributed to organizations (primarily non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status) that will benefit individuals and families within the communities served by PPCS. Grants will be awarded to support programs and projects that enhance the quality of life within our communities. Examples include public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, basic human needs, education, cultural environment enhancements, and combating economic and social problems.

Only one grant per year will be awarded to any one organization.

Criteria
The following will be considered when evaluating grant requests:

Potential benefit to area residents and the entire community
Level of community support for the program, project, or the organization requesting the grant
Fiscal and administrative capability of the organization to deliver a quality service or program
Results that can be evaluated

Exclusions
Grants will not be awarded to benefit:

Lobbying, political, and religious organizations
Veteran and fraternal organizations
Fundraising dinners, raffles, and other events
Capital fund campaigns
National fund drives
Advertising
PPCS for unpaid charges, including energy bills

Grant requirements
All applicants must submit a completed application by the specified deadline. An application on behalf of an organization must include documentation indicating tax-exempt status under the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).

Application deadline
Applications must be received by March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.

Please complete and submit the appropriate online application, or print the form and mail it to the address listed on the application.

Thank you for your interest in Pierce Pepin Cares Foundation. If you have questions regarding a grant application, please contact us.