Ocoee Utility District launched their Impact Fund in November of 2020 through their “roundup” program designed to bring a positive impact to the communities within the OUD service area. The program provides customers an opportunity to help their neighbors and communities in which they live. Customers that participate in this program agree to round their Ocoee Utility service bills up to the next dollar and by doing so will help to provide funding for community projects and programs.
The Ocoee Utility District Impact Fund allocates the following for positive community impact:
- 85% of funds will establish grants for community enrichments with the primary focus on STEM/STEAM Education, K-12 Education, Veterans Programs/Needs and Senior Citizen Programs/Needs.
- Annually provide $2000 to Ocoee Utility District’s Best Partner for their greatest need.
- 10% of funds will help customers experiencing economic hardship, who are unable to pay their utilities. This process will be managed through a third party to determine income, necessity and eligibility of funds.
- 5% of funds will be utilized for Emergency Response within the Ocoee Utility District, when needed.
The Community Foundation of Ocoee Region administers the Ocoee Utility District Impact Fund and grant program. The Community Foundation will partner with The Caring Place as a trusted provider with deep roots in the community and strong experience working with our most vulnerable residents. Ocoee Utilities District will be able to refer customers facing economic hardship to The Caring Place. When a family or individual presents for assistance, the Community Case Manager will assess their need and if necessary develop a collaborative intervention plan with action steps to establish stability, connect them with additional resource partners as needed, and continue to provide support until the individual or family achieves their goals.
The Ocoee Utility District Impact Fund will award grants to organizations classified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) or under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Initiatives must directly benefit the residents in the Ocoee Utility District service area of Bradley and/or Polk Counties and must be available without discrimination because of race, color, creed, sex, age, marital status, or ability. Any charitable nonprofit organization is eligible to apply for this grant, but the priority areas of this grant are initiatives that benefit Senior Citizens Programs/Needs, Veterans Programs/Needs, STEM/STEAM Education, and K-12 Education. The maximum grant amount available for assistance is $5,000, and an evaluation is required at the end of the grant period.
Applications for an Ocoee Utility District Impact Fund Grant are accepted online in January/February, awarded in May and also July/August, awarded in November of each year. A five-member grant committee will review and present applications to the Ocoee Utility Board for approval. These applications for assistance will be awarded based on demonstrated need and funds available.
The grant application can be found online at
https://tinyurl.com/OUDIMPACT2026
Donations can be made to this fund my simply writing a check to the Community Foundation or by clicking the donate button below: