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KUP logo At Kay Electric Cooperative (KEC), we love our communities and believe in the power of working together to make good things happen. Concern for Community is Cooperative Principle number 7 and states, “While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.”

This principle is in full swing! North central Oklahoma organizations and community leaders can call upon KEC members to lend a hand.

K-UP Program Overview

The Kay Electric Community Foundation is primarily funded by KEC’s K-UP program. K-UP allows KEC members, if they so choose, to have their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest dollar. The funds will then be dispersed to the Foundation. These contributions will be used for charitable and educational purposes in north central Oklahoma – KEC’s service territory and all the communities within.

Funds Allocation

The KEC Board of Directors appoints 5 people from within the KEC membership to serve on the Foundation Board. The group meets quarterly to review applications and award grants to the chosen applicants.

Foundation grants are awarded primarily to the following:

  • Programs, projects, and organizations important to a community’s overall quality of life
  • Programs with an emphasis on health care, senior citizens affiliated organizations and projects, self-sufficiency, and basic human needs
  • Educational, youth programs, and volunteer fire departments are also considered for grants.

All funds are kept separate from the cooperative. Foundation contributions are tax-deductible. Applications are handled with the utmost confidence and respect. Every penny will stay right here at home – Kay, Noble, Osage, Garfield, and Grant counties.

Application

To apply, utilize the application below, or pick it up at KEC Headquarters in Blackwell. Applications will be accepted 4 times a year.

2026 Application Due Dates

  • January 5, 2026
  • April 6, 2026
  • July 6, 2026
  • October 5, 2026

Submit an Application

Download and complete the K-UP application and then submit your application materials online.

Download Application (PDF)

Regulations & Guidelines

Purpose

The Kay Electric Community Foundation will be funded by KUP voluntary contributions from members of the Cooperative and from other sources of funds available. KUP contributions will be used primarily in the local area served by Kay Electric Cooperative for charitable and educational purposes.

Grant availability will be promoted through direct mail to the area communities and press releases. The Foundation Board will review and distribute funds quarterly.

Eligibility

  1. Non-profit groups and organizations that serve communities located within the Kay Electric Cooperative service area.
  2. Projects should fit in 1 or more of these categories: Community Service, Economic Development, Education and Youth, Environment, Disaster Relief.

Restrictions

  1. Contributions will generally be made only to non-profit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).
  2. Contributions will not be made for:
    1. Lobbying or political organizations.
    2. Raffles.
    3. Individuals.
    4. Capital fund campaigns.
    5. National fund drives.
    6. Advertising.

Evaluation Factors

  1. The following factors will be considered in the evaluation of all funding requests:
    1. Potential benefit to area residents and the entire community;
    2. Level of community support for the program or project;
    3. Administrative capability of the organization to deliver quality service or program;
    4. Results that are predictable and can be evaluated.
  2. It shall be the responsibility of all Foundation directors to evaluate funding requests and allocate contributions to accomplish the purposes and intent of these guidelines.

Requirements

  1. Completed application form (PDF).
  2. Detailed budget showing how requested funds will be spent.
  3. Copy of the IRS tax-exempt letter if appropriate.

Return To / Notification

Submit completed application form, budget, and IRS tax-exempt letter, if appropriate, to:

Kay Electric Cooperative
ATTN: Kay Electric Community Foundation
300 West Doolin Avenue
PO Box 607
Blackwell, OK 74631

or submit it online.

Kay Electric Community Foundation will notify applicants of grant approval status as soon as possible. Inquiries may be made by calling (580) 363-1260.

Regulations & Guidelines (PDF)

Questions?

For more information or questions about the application process, deadline, or program please contact Kaycee Brandon at (580) 363-1260.