Apply Now for The Power of Change to Strengthen Your Community

Date:                July 8, 2026

Contact:          Casey Hollins
                        Managing Director—Communications and Public Relations
                        (540) 891-5908, news@myrec.coop 

 Apply Now for The Power of Change to Strengthen Your Community 

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Apply today for funding to help bring meaningful projects to life in your community. The Power of Change fall application period is open, with applications accepted online through Aug. 10.

The Power of Change provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) service territory. Twice a year, member-owner donations are distributed to eligible nonprofits for projects related to food insecurity, housing and emergency crisis assistance, health care, senior programs, low-income support, veteran and first responder assistance, and other community needs.

“The Power of Change is a meaningful opportunity for nonprofits to receive support for projects that directly benefit local communities,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director – Communications and Public Relations. “We encourage eligible organizations to apply and share how their work is making a difference for the people and communities REC serves.”

In the most recent grant cycle, The Power of Change awarded over $122,000 to 40 nonprofits across REC’s 22-county service territory. Recent recipients included the Fairy Godmother Project in Fredericksburg, Cars Changing Lives in Front Royal and Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company.

“These grants help local organizations turn community-focused ideas into action,” Hollins said. “Whether a nonprofit is expanding an existing program or launching a new project, The Power of Change offers an opportunity to strengthen the services available to our friends, neighbors and communities.”

The Power of Change is funded by voluntary contributions from REC member-owners. Thousands of member-owners support the program through recurring monthly donations, one-time gifts or by rounding up their electric bills to the next whole dollar. The average round-up is 51 cents per month, but together those donations generate more than $200,000 each year for nonprofits serving low-income residents, senior citizens, veterans and others in need.

Since 2005, The Power of Change has given back more than $1.8 million to nonprofits across REC’s service territory. Nonprofits may apply online during two annual application periods: December through Feb. 10 and June through Aug. 10. Organizations may submit one application in a 12-month period. Funding decisions are made in March and September, with funds distributed in April and October.

Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to apply early at thepowerofchange.org. REC members can also visit the site to enroll as contributors and help support future grants.

About Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 

Serving more than 185,000 connections across portions of 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.