GVEC awards 10 more Power Up™ Grants

The Power Up community grant program continues to grow, with ten more nonprofit organizations receiving nearly $171,000 in grants. These grants, which provide funding assistance for community projects, are made possible by the generous donations of GVEC members supporting the charitable Power Up program.

Since the first grant distribution in 2012, more than $3.8 million in grants have helped fund 239 community projects benefiting GVEC members and citizens in communities GVEC serves. These projects range from the purchase of life-saving equipment for first responders and medical facilities to the renovation of local museums, parks, historic places and community meeting spaces.

In the most recent round of distributions, Gonzales County Veterans Memorial Association in Gonzales received a Power Up grant for $20,000; Nixon Methodist Church, Nixon, received a Power Up grant for $20,000; and the Thompsonville Cemetery Association, Thompsonville, received a Power Up grant for $19,461:

• Gonzales County Veterans Memorial Associations in Gonzales will use their funds for the construction of a veteran’s memorial with granite walls of honor and 5-point star, and flag poles in the center to display the American flag, Texas flag and the POW/MIA flag.

• The Nixon Methodist Church is utilizing its funds for the community-based food pantry and resale shop in Nixon known as “God’s Storehouse.” The construction of a finished-out metal building complete with shelving and refrigeration will be a better resource to continue to serve those in need.

• Thompsonville Cemetery Association located in Thompsonville will improve its active community center with the grant funds by making better use of its outdoor covered patio space. Installing drop-down patio coverings, ceiling fans and space heaters will expand their indoor space to accommodate the growing community and the many events and gatherings held at the public community center. 

Other Power Up grants awarded during this cycle include: $18,283 to Ander-Weser Volunteer Fire Department, Goliad, for bunker gear washer/extractor and drying cabinet; $20,000 to the City of New Berlin for a walking track in the city park; $2,183.98 to Goliad County EMS, Goliad, for pediatric transport restraint system; $14,763 to Lifegate Christian School, Seguin, for ventilation improvements for the main gym; $20,000 to Meyersville ISD, Meyersville, for exterior LED lighting of the Meyersville school campus; $20,000 to Yoakum ISD, Yoakum, for Yoakum high school beautification project; and $16,236.84 to York Creek VFD, Staples, for firefighter personal protective equipment.

“The program is designed to ensure the funded projects have a meaningful impact on the membership. We’re pleased to see organizations utilize the grant funds to enhance public spaces and services that also promote safety, social and education initiatives,” says Christine Presley, GVEC Community Relations Representative. “We hope to continue spreading the word to the organizations in our area in need of financial support. It is a competitive process, but we are here to answer your questions, assist you with the application process and ensure your application packet is complete.”

 The next application deadline for the Power Up community grant program is August 15, 2024. For program qualifications and an application, visit gvec.org, or call Presley at 830.857.3424 for assistance. Grant applications are also available at GVEC’s five area offices.