White River Valley Electric Cooperative announces 2026 Plugged-In Grant Awards

White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC) and the White River Valley Electric Cooperative Trust Board is proud to announce the approval of $53,150 in grant monies to go to 10 organizations for the 2026 Plugged-In Community Enhancement Program.

Plugged-In provides grants and old-fashioned sweat equity to organizations seeking assistance for community-driven projects in Taney, Stone, Christian, Douglas and Ozark counties. The program is designed to grow area economies, promote community revitalization and strengthen overall livability in each county. Grants are given to organizations that offer strong missions, proposals and track-records. Grant monies are awarded for projects in each county that the Cooperative serves. Plus, volunteer participation is supplied by WRVEC employees, where applicable.

The grant monies will be used for a wide variety of projects throughout our five-county service territory. Awards granted in 2026 include:

Christian County     Sparta Historic District: Beautification project of Main Street, including wayfinding banners, planters and benches     Christian County: Beautification at their new municipality location

Douglas County          City of Ava: Public safety improvement project to build fencing and a cement pad at the Bill Martin Memorial Airport for the installation of the new Automatic Weather Observation System to improve safety for emergency responders and better storm monitoring     Douglas County Historical Society: Rehabilitation and enhancement project to paint and repair the museum exterior

Ozark County         * Theodosia Area Chamber of Commerce: Beautification project to purchase and install banners promoting the Theodosia community

Stone County      Stone County Health Department: Commercial improvement and upgrade project to build and install storage shed and expand parking lot for community events     Reeds Spring School District: Upgrade community facilities project to install new benches for seating at Wolf Pack Park at the tennis and pickle ball courts    * 4-Ozark Seniors: Capacity building project to purchase tables and chairs so they can provide more programs and training opportunities for Stone and Taney County senior citizens to prosper

Taney County     Meadows Cemetery: Historic preservation project to complete phase 1 replacing outhouse and do site work around the one-room schoolhouse.      Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge: Rehabilitation project to increase building efficiency with the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting

“Our commitment extends beyond providing reliable service. We’re also invested in the long-term success of the communities we serve," said WRVEC Vice President/Chief Growth Officer, Cassie Cunnigham. "These grants are one of the ways we give back, supporting local organizations and projects that strengthen our neighborhoods, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for future generations. When our communities thrive, we all thrive, and we're proud to be a partner in making a lasting difference.”

To learn more about “Plugged-In” and how to apply next year, visit whiteriver.org/community/plugged-in/.