The Roundup for Safety Board awarded a total of $28,900 in community safety grants to nonprofit organizations at its June 9 meeting, including a $10,000 grant for the North Valley Food Bank (NVFB).
The Roundup for Safety Board awarded a total of $28,900 in community safety grants to nonprofit organizations at its June 9 meeting, including a $10,000 grant for the North Valley Food Bank (NVFB).
Elizabeth Temple and Sophie Albert spoke on behalf of the NVFB, discussing its need for a backup generator to ensure the safety of its food inventory for community members in need. “It is critical that we are able to continuously serve our community, especially during times of emergency, such as a power outage,” Executive Director Albert noted. At any given time, the Food Bank stores an estimated 35,000 pounds of perishable food in its cooler and freezers, at a value of $60,000 to $100,000. This summer, a new harvesting and gleaning program is expected to add an additional 20,000 pounds of perishable produce to the inventory.
Albert updated the Board on the increasing need for the NVFB’s services, revealing that it is serving a record number of 270 to 330 households each week in Whitefish, Trego, Olney and Essex. In addition, the NVFB stores produce and dairy products for partner food banks in Browning, the Yaak, Libby, Eureka, and Troy, who collectively assist another 600 households weekly. The NVFB also occasionally stores food for additional partners, such as Whitefish based Land to Hand.
In awarding the request, the Roundup for Safety Board of Directors noted the additional community support and funding partners for the NVFB generator project, including a $10,000 Community Grant Award from the Whitefish Community Foundation.
Other projects funded during the June meeting included:
- Samaritan House – $8,800 – safety cameras
- Friends of Historic Hotel Libby – $2,000 – safety hazard removal
- Columbia Falls High School Baseball – $8,100 – AED, sports-safety equipment
Roundup for Safety is a voluntary program for Flathead Electric Cooperative members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the extra money going into a fund for community safety projects proposed by nonprofit organizations and considered by an independent board.
To date in 2022, the Roundup for Safety Board has awarded $126,828 in community safety project funding.
Roundup for Safety is a voluntary program for Co-op members who round up their electric bills to the next dollar. This money is managed by an independent board and goes into a fund for community safety projects.
The Roundup for Safety Board will consider June applications through June 30 and vote on them at its July 14 meeting. If your nonprofit is interested in applying for community safety funds, visit our Roundup for Safety page or call the Roundup for Safety Board Liason:
