GVEC members help power community growth through Power Up™ grants

Thanks to the continued generosity of GVEC members, 10 nonprofit organizations have been awarded more than $191,000 through the Cooperative’s Power Up community grant program. Funded by members who voluntarily round up their electric bills, Power Up supports impactful projects that enhance quality of life across the GVEC service area.

Since launching in 2012, the program has awarded over $4.2 million in funding for 260 local projects benefitting GVEC members and citizens in communities GVEC serves—from emergency response and healthcare equipment to revitalization of parks, historical landmarks and shared community spaces.

In the most recent round of distributions, the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department, Belmont, received $20,000; City of Smiley Marshal’s Office, Smiley, received $11,452.94; and Gonzales Crystal Theater, Inc., Gonzales, received $20,000:

• The Belmont Volunteer Fire Department is active with 24 volunteer members covering over 71,000 acres within their jurisdiction, while also providing mutual aid to surrounding communities. This grant will be used to install a 29,000-gallon Galvalume water storage tank, doubling the capacity of the current aging tank. The upgraded storage tank will ensure the department has an adequate water supply to improve its response efforts during emergency calls.

• The City of Smiley Marshal’s Office is utilizing its funds to purchase nine new ballistic vests for improved deputy safety. One paid and eight unpaid volunteer deputies staff the Marshal's office. The purchase of new ballistic vests ensures that all deputies have access to adequate personal protective equipment.

• Gonzales Crystal Theater, Inc. will use its funds to improve cooling, add insulation over the stage and backstage areas, repair wall damage, and replace 40-plus-year-old curtains with enhanced fire- and heat-retardant materials.

Other Power Up grants awarded during this cycle include: $20,000 to City of Schertz Police Department, Schertz, for a TruNarc handheld narcotics detection device; $20,000 to Connections Individual and Family Services, New Braunfels, for its Recharge Courtyard renovation project; $20,000 to Cuero VFW Post 3972, Cuero, for the main hall roof replacement; $20,000 to La Vernia Municipal Development District, La Vernia, to build city pickleball courts; $20,000 to Marion ISD, Marion, for a CNC plasma torch cutter; $20,000 to Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Seguin Class of 2025 for a picnic pavilion at Manuel C. Castilla Park; and $20,000 to Stomping Ground Ventures, Floresville, for the pavilion roof replacement.

“We’re proud to support projects that bring real, lasting improvements to our communities,” said Christine Presley, GVEC Community Relations Representative. “From safety upgrades to recreational enhancements, each project reflects the commitment of service and care our members help foster through Power Up. We’re also here to assist organizations every step of the way—from understanding eligibility to submitting a strong application.”

The next application deadline for the Power Up community grant program is August 15, 2025. For program qualifications and an application, visit gvec.org, or call Christine Presley at 830.857.3424 for assistance.