Western Cooperative Electric’s Sharing Success Fund, partnered with CoBank, and managed by the Golden Belt Community Foundation, has awarded (4) $1,000 grants to Trego, Ellis, Rooks, and Russell counties for disaster relief funds.

In the wake of the recent wildfires, the Heartland Community Foundation and the Russell County Area Community Foundation have established disaster relief funds to meet the emergency needs of the area following a major emergency, weather event, or other disasters.

“Our hearts go out to the people affected by the windstorm and wildfires,” said Western’s Member Service Manager Nolan Numrich. “Having our community foundations establish these funds will ensure Kansans are getting immediate relief when they need it.” 

The Heartland and Russell Area foundations hope to create a long-term solution by setting up disaster relief funds for each of the counties they serve. Nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and other agencies providing direct relief help to people, property, or livestock in the impacted county may be eligible for grant money.

“It is our hope that with continued donations and investment growth over time, money held in the funds will provide a permanent safety net to local residents in the aftermath of any future emergency or disaster. We know that it can take time for state or federal money to come to the area after an emergency. These funds will give us the ability to respond immediately and close that gap,” said Heartland Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.

Since 2013, the Sharing Success program has donated $85,000 to local nonprofit organizations. Grants will be available until funds are exhausted. To apply, visit westerncoop.com/sharing-success.

“Western Co-op looks forward to continuing to work with local organizations who provide relief to our members,” said Member Services Manager Nolan Numrich

Western Cooperative Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative headquartered in WaKeeney, Kansas. Established in 1945, Western now serves more than 12,000 meters and maintains over 4,000 miles of power lines across northwestern and central Kanas. Together, with the help of our members, Western Co-op is committed to building a stronger future for the communities we serve. For more information about Western, visit www.westerncoop.com.