Riverland Energy Cooperative – Community Cares (August 13, 2026 Deadline)

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Community Grants Supporting Quality of Life in Western Wisconsin

The Community Cares Program is a member-supported charitable initiative administered by the Riverland Community Cares Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation affiliated with Riverland Energy Cooperative. Through small member contributions, the program funds local nonprofit organizations improving quality of life across Riverland’s service territory.

Organization: Riverland Community Cares Foundation
Support Type: Community grants
Geographic Focus: Riverland Energy service area (Buffalo, La Crosse, Trempealeau counties, and portions of Pepin, Jackson, and Eau Claire counties, WI)
Application Deadlines:

February 12, 2026
August 13, 2026
Decision Timeline: Approximately one month after deadline

About the Fund

Riverland Energy members voluntarily contribute to the Community Cares fund, with average annual contributions of approximately $6 per member (up to $12). These pooled funds are reinvested directly into local nonprofits serving cooperative members and strengthening western Wisconsin communities.

The program is overseen by a designated board of directors composed of Riverland Energy Cooperative board members.

What This Program Supports

Contributions are generally awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations whose programs benefit members of the Riverland Energy service area and improve local quality of life, with emphasis on:

Public safety
Health care
Self-sufficiency
Basic human needs
Community leadership
Youth-focused social issues

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

Ineligible Requests

Unless a project clearly benefits the overall community, funding is generally not awarded to:

Lobbying, political, religious, veteran, or fraternal organizations
Fundraising dinners, raffles, or events
Capital fund campaigns
Scholarship programs
National fund drives or advertising
Assistance for paying members’ bills

Application Process

Organizations must complete the official Grant Application.

Community members wishing to contribute can complete the Participation Form. All contributions are tax deductible.

Decisions are typically made within approximately one month after each application deadline.

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This program is ideal for:

Community-based nonprofits serving western Wisconsin
Organizations addressing essential needs and youth-focused initiatives
Small-to-midsize nonprofits seeking local funding support
Programs that demonstrate direct benefit to Riverland Energy members

Because awards are funded by member contributions and overseen locally, projects with strong community alignment and clear local impact are most competitive.

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.riverlandenergy.com/community-cares-program

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Deadline: August 13, 2026
Review Timeline: ~1 month after submission
Best Suited For: 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Riverland Energy’s Wisconsin service territory
Funding Focus: Public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, youth programs, and essential community needs