Pentwater Historical Society Museum
BOYNE CITY — Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund has awarded more than $161,000 in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations across its 26-county service area during the first grant cycle of 2026, including several grants benefiting organizations and projects in Oceana and Mason counties.
The electric cooperative’s south region board awarded 13 grants totaling $38,284.35, while the central region board distributed eight grants totaling $29,676.80. The grants are funded through voluntary contributions from cooperative members who round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar.
Among the local recipients, the Oceana County 4-H program in Hart received $2,000 for equipment supporting youth development activities, while the Oceana County Council on Aging, also based in Hart, was awarded $1,000 to purchase a projector for dementia-friendly arts programs.
The Pentwater Historical Society received a $2,000 grant to support its Declaration of Independence exhibit, which will be displayed in Pentwater, Hart and Walkerville.
In New Era, Trinity Community Food Pantry was awarded $2,500 for a pallet jack to assist with food distribution operations.
A significant public safety grant was awarded in neighboring Mason County, where the Mason County Rural Fire Authority in Custer received $5,842.80 to replace three outdated automated external defibrillators used by area fire departments.
Additional south-region grants included $5,000 to Lakeshore Food Club in Ludington for signage and equipment at the Hart Food Club, $2,625 to Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center in Manistee for forensic interviews and advocacy services, and $1,000 to Rothbury Community Church for produce purchases for its Helping Hands Food Pantry.
Since the People Fund was established in 1999, it has awarded more than $5.2 million in grants throughout Great Lakes Energy’s service territory.
“At Great Lakes Energy, ‘Concern for Community’ isn’t just one of our guiding principles; it’s something we live out every day,” Great Lakes Energy President and CEO Shaun Lamp said in a statement. “Through the People Fund, we partner with our members to deliver meaningful support to local programs and projects, creating a lasting difference across the communities we serve.”
The People Fund is accepting applications for its final 2026 grant cycle. Letters of intent are due Oct. 1, and completed applications must be submitted by Oct. 15.
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