COVID-19 has created a state of emergency across the nation. The epidemic has affected everyone in some capacity. More than 10 years ago, Central developed the Central Community Foundation for times like this. The foundation has four key areas of focus which include healthcare, personal need, education and disaster relief.
 
Grants are available to all who live within Central’s seven-county service area. The purpose of the grants are to provide an opportunity for affected individuals to apply for financial assistance to supplement the costs of lost income or help with unexpected medical bills. Central encourages all who have been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic to apply. Applications can be found on the Central website at https://www.mycentral.coop/operation-round-up. Applications are taken year round, however April 3 is the deadline for applications to be considered at the April foundation meeting.
 
Applications will be reviewed by the foundation board of directors and applicants will be notified of the board’s decision. The foundation is made possible by the generous gift of Central members who participate in Operation Round-Up by choosing to round up their bill to the next whole dollar. This “pocket change,” a maximum of only $11.88 per year, makes a big difference in our communities.
 
Since it began, the Central Community Foundation has given more than half-a-million in grants to deserving individuals and organizations. The Central Community Foundation illustrates the cooperative model – people working together to achieve something more. Learn more at our website https://www.mycentral.coop/operation-round-up or by calling Central at 405-372-2884.