Lane-Scott and CoBank Award Grants
Lane-Scott Electric, in partnership with CoBank awarded four $1,000 grants again this year through the Sharing Success Program. Lane-Scott Electric began participating in the CoBank program five years ago as a way to help local charitable organizations make a positive impact to our local communities. This program embraces the true Cooperative spirit by supporting local organizations in their projects and philanthropies. Like Lane-Scott Electric and other cooperatives owned by their members, CoBank is national nonprofit cooperative owned by the rural American cooperatives they serve. Through this program, Co-Bank matches 50% of Lane-Scott’s contribution up to four recipients who benefit a community or communities who receive electric service from Lane-Scott Electric.
USD #303 Ness City Schools was in immediate need of emergency lighting in all eight of their severe storm shelters in both the elementary and JR/Sr high school buildings. Currently, in the event of a power outage or loss of electricity, the only light in the shelters comes from flashlights. The goal is for the project to be completed before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
Lane County Emergency Management is receiving a grant to replace older batteries for their 800 handled radios used by first responders. The batteries are a required continuous expense.
Western Plains USD 106 is using their grant to help provide basic needs for high poverty and high needs children in their school. This might include hygiene products, food bags for the weekends and holiday breaks, clothing, and cleaning supplies. The intent of the project is to ensure all student’s basic needs are being met so they can focus on their academics without being concerned about basic survival. The benefit will help their social emotional health along with academic achievement.
The Jetmore Fire Department serves the City of Jetmore and the western half of Hodgeman County, including part of the Lane-Scott Electric territory. The grant will be used to help upgrade the safety equipment to better serve the community. Keeping safety equipment updated is an ongoing expense and necessity to keep all the volunteers and community safe.
Lane-Scott Electric would like to thank everyone who submitted applications this year and encourage organizations in our area to continue to apply. We received nineteen applications for very deserving causes. The 2025 application period will begin again in January. More information about the program can be found on our website at www.lanescott.coop.