Rewarding Responders Grant
We are committed to safety for our employees and the communities we serve. We Energies Foundation is supporting local public safety response agencies with the Rewarding Responders grant.
Qualifications
- All organizations must provide emergency response services in our natural gas and/or electric service area.
- County, local and volunteer fire, law enforcement and rescue agencies are encouraged to apply.
- Organizations that received a grant in 2023 are ineligible for the 2024 grant cycle.
Guidelines
Grants may be used to purchase equipment and professional development, but should be part of a well-planned and integrated public safety initiative. Projects must be special, one-time, safety-related efforts. Any equipment purchased with this grant must stay in the ownership of the department for a minimum of five years unless it is consumable or becomes expired.
The foundation will award $100,000 per year. The maximum grant amount awarded will be $2,000 per project and must be used within two years. Only one grant application per organization will be accepted.
Criteria and judging
The online application will ask for the following information, including attachment of a budget:
- Organization name (entity which holds nonprofit or government status).
- EIN or Federal Tax Identification Number.
- Organization and project budget.
- Organization description. Include organization size (number of members, safety vehicles, etc.), location or geographical size of area served, number of events the organization responded to last year, etc. (5 points)
- Project title. This may include name of equipment or training
- Project description. Describe the equipment or training being requesting and why. Include a description of equipment or training, how it will be used, and why this equipment or training was chosen over another. Describe the equipment life expectancy and maintenance requirements. (15 points)
- Project impacts. Explain why this equipment or training is needed. Describe how this grant would support safety initiatives in your community, who would benefit and how frequently this equipment or training would be used. If possible, include data/statistics from previous years as to number of times this piece of equipment or training would have been helpful. (15 points)
- Project timeline and funding sources. Describe the project timeline (i.e., when is equipment expected to be purchased or when is training expected to take place). Include any additional funding sources for this project. (10 points)
- Contribution recognition. Describe how We Energies Foundation will be recognized (news release, banners at community event, etc.). (5 points)
Funding examples
- Lifesaving equipment such as AED, Jaws of Life, CO and natural gas measuring equipment, thermal imaging cameras, pediatric IV kits, night-vision cameras and job-related safety gear, including masks, helmets, coveralls and fire resistant suits, ballistic vests, etc.
- Professional development/training inclusive of registration fees, tuition, on-site trainer's fees, etc.
Not considered for funding: emergency generators; capital projects such as new buildings and large vehicle purchases; real estate; endowments; software; T-shirts or other promotional items; travel fees; stipends and/or meals.
Key dates
Apply between May 1 and June 15. Winners are notified by Aug. 31.
Application
Contacts
If you have questions, email the Foundation Administrator or call 414-221-2107.