BEC Foundation Grants Fight Fires, Feed Community

Two nonprofit organizations within the Bandera Electric Cooperative service territory recently received more than $4,600 in BEC Foundation grants. The BEC Foundation has awarded more than $48,000 so far this year. The BEC Foundation board awards grants based on its charitable giving guidelines and predetermined criteria.
 
Bandera Fire and Rescue received a $1,120 grant to purchase four backpack blowers to replace outdated equipment. The new equipment increases the department’s wildland capabilities, decreases response time, and increases efficiency preventing brush fires from getting further out of control.
 
“We are primarily dependent upon fundraisers and grants like this one to help replace aging equipment,” said Bandera Fire and Rescue President Jeff Jilson. “These blowers will help us put out brush fires in dense terrain where trucks are not accessible, allowing us to cover more ground.”
 
The Rainbow Senior Center received a $3,500 grant to assist with its Meals on Wheels nutrition program. The center is the only provider offering in-home, delivered meals in Kendall County. Through the nutrition program, food insecurity relating to seniors in the county will decrease, and more seniors will have access to needed resources to enhance their quality of life, maintain good health, and increase their independence.
 
“With this grant from the BEC Foundation, the Rainbow Senior Center is able to continue providing our clients with the superior nutrition and wellness and socialization programs our community has come to expect without any waiting lists or gaps in services,” said Rainbow Senior Center Director of Operations Emily Perry. “The funding will enable us to continue, expand, and adapt our services and operations during COVID-19, while also allowing us to stay connected with our most isolated clients. We are extremely grateful.”  
 
The BEC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of BEC. Its mission is to support qualifying nonprofit organizations in its service area through charitable contributions with a focus on education, safety and overall concern for community.
 
“The BEC Foundation is supported in part by BEC. However, we invite the community to contribute. Members can round their electric or fiber internet bills to the nearest whole-dollar, select the BEC Foundation as their favorite charity on AmazonSmile, or make a donation,” said BEC Chairman Toba Wright.  
 
The BEC Foundation accepts grant applications on a quarterly basis. The fourth quarter grant application deadline is December 31. For information and eligibility requirements, visit BanderaElectric.com/Giving.

Photos courtesy of Rainbow Senior Center and Bandera Fire and Rescue.