BOYNE CITY — Several organizations serving Mason and Oceana counties received funding through Great Lakes Energy’s first round of 2026 People Fund grants, including awards supporting emergency medical services, youth programs, senior services, local history and food assistance.
The Mason County Rural Fire Authority received $5,842.80 to replace three outdated automated external defibrillators used by area fire departments. The grant was among more than $161,000 distributed to 47 nonprofit organizations throughout Great Lakes Energy’s 26-county service territory.
In Oceana County, the Oceana County 4-H program in Hart received $2,000 for youth development equipment, while the Oceana County Council on Aging received $1,000 to purchase a projector for dementia-friendly arts programs.
The Pentwater Historical Society was awarded $2,000 to support its Declaration of Independence exhibit, which will be displayed in Pentwater, Hart and Walkerville.
Trinity Community Food Pantry in New Era received $2,500 for a pallet jack to assist with food distribution operations.
Additional area funding included a $5,000 grant to Lakeshore Food Club for signage and equipment at the Hart Food Club and a $1,000 grant to Rothbury Community Church to purchase local produce for its Helping Hands Food Pantry.
The grants are funded through Great Lakes Energy members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar, with all proceeds directed to the People Fund grant program.
The cooperative’s south region board awarded 13 grants totaling $38,284.35, while the central region board awarded eight grants totaling $29,676.80 during the first grant cycle of 2026.
Since its creation in 1999, the People Fund has distributed more than $5.2 million to nonprofit organizations across the cooperative’s service area.
“At Great Lakes Energy, ‘Concern for Community’ isn’t just one of our guiding principles; it’s something we live out every day,” Great Lakes Energy President and CEO Shaun Lamp said. “Through the People Fund, we partner with our members to deliver meaningful support to local programs and projects, creating a lasting difference across the communities we serve.”
The People Fund is accepting applications for its final 2026 grant cycle. Letters of intent are due Oct. 1, and grant applications are due Oct. 15.
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