TRAVERSE CITY -- As part of Traverse City Light & Power's (L&P) Community Investment Fund program, the utility's Board of Directors recently approved the contribution of $54,000 to several local not-for-profit organizations.
L&P's Community Investment Fund provides grants to local not-for-profit organizations for community development, environmental and energy-related educational purposes. Since 2003, L&P has contributed over $500,000 back to the community through this fund.
The current recipients are:
· $3,000 to Traverse City Area Public Schools to help fund the SCI-MA-TECH program.
· $15,000 to the City of Traverse City to fund the universal small boat launch as part of the Bay Front Improvement Plan.
· $12,000 to the Inland Seas Education Association to help fund ten TCAPS schools to take part in the Great Lakes Schoolship Program.
· $5,000 to Traverse Area Community Sailing to help fund the purchase of additional boats.
· $5,000 to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation to help fund the lighting and sound reinforcement of the Grand Lawn gazebo.
· $10,000 to TART Trails to help fund the development of the Buffalo Ridge trail.
· $4,500 to Traverse City Area Public Schools to help fund the studies of electricity, magnets and motors for 1st, 3rd and 4th graders.
"Our 2009 Customer Survey shows that nearly 75% of customers said it was important that L&P provides grants to local non-profit organizations to improve the community and natural resources or conduct energy related educational programs," said Mike Coco, chairman of the L&P's Board of Directors.
L&P's Community Investment Fund charitable contributions are focused on three key areas:
1) Community Development -- Public infrastructure programs and other projects that provide a direct benefit to L&P customers and the people of the Traverse City area, with an emphasis on programs and projects within the utility's service area.
2) Energy-Related Educational Programs -- Programs and projects that educate people of all ages about current and future energy sources, and the financial benefit of energy conservation.
3) Natural Resources -- Programs and projects aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of natural resources, and supporting a sustainable environment in the Traverse City area.
The Community Investment Fund was adopted by L&P in March 2003 and approved by the City Commission in June 2003.
