3 Oceana Co. organizations receive grants from Great Lakes Energy.

3 Oceana Co. organizations receive grants from Great Lakes Energy.

Three Oceana County non-profit organizations received a total of $6,842 in grants from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund. The organizations included:

1. Hart Area Public Library: $1,000 for an Ozobot robot kit for children.
2. The Starting Block, Hart: $2,842 to increase capacity in the kitchen incubator by widening the door and purchasing a laptop and desktop computer.
3. Oceana Conservation District, Shelby: $3,000 for an environmental education program for school-age and preschool children.

The People Fund is supported by the voluntary contributions of Great Lakes Energy members who allow their electric cooperative to round up their bill each month to the next dollar. More than $3.3 million in grants have been awarded since 1999 to charitable and community organizations throughout Great Lakes Energy’s 26-county service area, which stretches along the western side of Michigan.

“The average contribution to the People Fund is less than 50 cents per month,” said President/CEO Bill Scott. “It’s one of the easiest ways our members can show their commitment to local communities by rounding their bill to the nearest dollar.”

Great Lakes Energy members can enroll in the People Fund by calling 888-485-2537 or visiting gtlakes.com. All 100 percent of the funds collected are used for grants.

Non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Energy service area can apply for a grant through the People Fund by calling Great Lakes Energy, 1-888-485-2537, ext. 1313. The next grant application deadline is Oct. 15.