The Power of Change: $118,378.08 in Member-Funded Grants to Strengthen Communities Across 22 Counties

REC is proud to announce that, through the generosity of its members, The Power of Change program has awarded $118,378.08 in grants to 38 organizations across its 22-county service area. Through this member-supported initiative, more than 36,000 REC members contribute directly to community projects by rounding up their electric bill each month, averaging just 51 cents. Together, these contributions are making a powerful difference for those in need.

The funding supports underserved populations through a diversity of projects including food insecurity, housing and shelter assistance, health and education programs, and other vital needs in our communities. Notable initiatives include Fluvanna Louis House Foundation affordable housing units, Warren County Habitat for Humanity home repairs program, Rapp Center for Education workforce development, and Living Free Together, Inc. program for veterans and first responders.    

“These grants empower local organizations to continue their vital work, uplifting communities throughout the region”, explained Casey Hollins, managing director – communications and public relations for REC.

2025 March The Power of Change grant recipients:

• Greater Rappahannock VA Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (Stafford) received $1,000 for blood pressure cuffs for the Black Family Wellness Expo and Maternal Health Initiatives workshops.
• Sensory Theatre Endless Possibilities Inc (Fredericksburg) received $1,000 for Drum Camp 2025 for people with disabilities.
• Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center (Front Royal) received $1,087.16 for walkie-talkies to ensure safety communications over 229 acres with little to no cell service.
• Provisions Thrift Store Ministry (Partlow) received $1,150 for containers and supplies for the Mobile Blessing Closet.
• Literacy Council of Madison County received $1,300 for desktop equipment to assist adult learners with completing their GED. 
• Fauquier Education Farm received $1,500 for horticulture supplies for educational programs.
• Girls on the Run – Piedmont (Warrenton) received $1,500 to supply shoes to the Give a Girl the Right Shoes, and She Can Change the World mentoring program for low-income participants.
• Rappahannock CASA (Fredericksburg) received $1,800 for supplies for the CASA Volunteer Training program that advocates for abused and neglected children.
• Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter received $1,800 for the WATTS Linen Replacement Program.
• The Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging (Front Royal) received $1,854 for the Life-Saving Power: Senior Center AED Installation and Education Project.
• AIDS Response Effort, Inc. (Winchester) received $2,000 to assist with furnishings for the LGBTQ+ Center that provides counseling services and various health initiative programs.
• Come As You Are Ministry (Montpelier) received $2,000 for supplies for the Feed the Hungry program.
• FISH of Clarke County received $2,000 for the Community Table Mobile Food Pantry.
• Love to NIC (Winchester) received $2,000 for the Meals and Clothing Program serving the homeless.
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Fredericksburg received $2,000 for a storage safety and capacity enhancements for their nonprofit thrift store.
• Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter (Fredericksburg) received $2,237 for homeless shelter kitchen and family dorms equipment.
• Christ Church Cares Food Pantry (Millwood) received $2,327.23 for the Personal Care Initiative for seniors and low-income individuals.
• Tappahannock Artist Guild Inc. received $2,350 to provide supplies for the TAG Creative Learning Initiative.
• Healthy Harvest Food Bank (Warsaw) received $2,500 for the Essex County Backpack Buddies Program for food insecure children.
• Highland Food Pantry (Winchester) received $2,500 for the Special Delivery to provide food and personal care to items to food insecure individuals with disabilities.
• Louisa Clean received $2,500 for supplies for the 2025 Education and Sustainment Litter Initiative program. 
• Madison Learning Center Inc. received $2,500 to update the front door security entry system.
• Rapp Center for Education - Rappu Inc. (Sperryville) received $2,500 for the Workforce Forward Fund for workforce training programs.
• Tabernacle United Methodist Church (Fredericksburg) received $2,500 for the Dolly Patron's Imagination Library Spotsylvania affiliate.
• Hanover Master Gardener Association received $3,000 to assist with building an outdoor horticultural classroom.
• Louisa County Resource Council of Louisa VA received $3,000 for Kindness Bags that provide essentials for people experiencing homelessness.
• The McShin Foundation (Richmond) serving Hanover, Spotsylvania, Orange and surrounding counties received $3,000 for supplies to assist with the Women's Wellness Recovery addiction programming.
• The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. (Warsaw) serving Essex County received $3,558.69 for bunk beds to provide emergency shelter and support.
• Living Free Together Inc. (Earlysville) received $3,564 to provide supplies for the Fit with the Intent to Thrive (FIT) mental health program for veterans, first responders and loved ones.
• Hanover Tavern Foundation received $5,000 for the History in the Heart of Virginia programming for Title I schools.
• Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation (Charlottesville) received  $5,000  for the Free Fresh Farm Stands Partnership bringing food and healthcare to families in need.
• Spreading Smiles at Renatos (Fredericksburg) received $5,000 for the Weekend Meal Bags to children facing food insecurity.
• The Dawn Family Life Center (Hanover) received $5,000 for the Kid Power Summer Adventures Program.
• Warren County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. received $5,000 for the Home Repair Program for low-income families.
• The Memorial Foundation of the Germanna Colonies in Virginia (Locust Grove) received $5,350 for the Expanding Archaeology in the Classroom: Bringing Hands-On History to More Students project.
• St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church (Ladysmith) received $6,000 for the Living Our Mission Food Pantry to replace a refrigerator and freezer.
• Fluvanna Louisa Housing Foundation received $10,000 to assist with building 25 affordable housing units.
• Walkerton Community Fire Association (Walkerton) received $10,000 to support the replacement of a brush truck.

How The Power of Change Works

• The Power of Change allows Cooperative members to give voluntarily to support nonprofits that do so much for those in need.
• Participants simply round up their electric bills to the next whole dollar.
• Twice a year, donations from The Power of Change are made available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in our communities.
• Learn more and ENROLL today: thepowerofchange.org