In 2011, Leslie Messer, Richland Economic Development executive director, was appointed onto the PPL Community Fund Advisory Board. The board meets in the spring and fall to distribute $200,000 annually in grant funds to eligible applicants focusing on the areas of education, the environment, or economic development.
Messer serves along with the following people; representing business and the community: Liz Bangerter, Helena; Anders Blewett, Great Falls; Cathy Conover, Bozeman; Pat Downey, Three Forks; Scott Johnson, Big Sky; Joan Kronebusch, Billings; Bill McChesney, Miles City; Mark Morse, Huntley; Diane Sands, Missoula; Rita Schuetzle, Huntley; and Mark Sommer, Missoula.
Since the fund was established in 2005, $1.4 million in grants has been awarded to nearly 200 organizations across the state that are touching the lives of thousands of people and, as a result, improving the quality of life for all Montanans.
Some examples of grants that have been awarded include: museums, roof replacements, back pack programs, a commercial kitchen, machinery and equipment, etc.
Each application cycle receives several grant applications, yet sadly, not very many from northeastern Montana. In an effort to get the word out, Messer is making an effort to encourage the non-profit community organizations, as well as the schools and school districts of Richland County to apply. The Community Fund will be accepting applications on-line, until midnight on Jan. 31, 2012.
If you are a school or a non-profit, (501(c) 3) and if you have a great project that might fit within the categories addressed above, please contact the Richland Economic Development office; or, if you would like more information on the PPL Community Fund, please log on to: http://www.pplmontana.com and click on “Community Fund”.
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