SUBJECT: DONATIONS AND SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
CONTENT:
1. In conformance with the seventh Cooperative Principle of "Concern for
Community," it is appropriate for Washington Electric Cooperative to support
the activities of worthwhile non-profit, charitable agencies, educational institutions
and other community organizations which enhance the well-being of our members
and the communities they live in. The Cooperative also recognizes that our financial
and other resources belong to our members, and that such support should not
diminish our ability to provide reliable and efficient service at least cost.
2. The Cooperative may offer such support by means which include but are not
limited to:
(a) in-kind donations of materials and labor
(b) use of the Cooperative's newsletter, website and other means of member communication
(c) provision of educational materials and staff resources for educational purposes
(d) "good will" advertising in programs and publications of organizations
(e) financial contributions
3. As a membership organization and as a business, it is in the Cooperative's
interest to be recognized by our members and communities for such support. Accordingly,
organizations receiving such support should have an appropriate means for recognizing
the Cooperative.
4. The Cooperative shall make every effort to determine that organizations receiving
support are financially viable and broadly supported in the communities they
serve. Support shall not be offered to organizations or activities whose purposes
conflict with the policies and principles of the Cooperative.
5. Consideration shall be given to assuring that communities and activities
throughout the Cooperative's territory benefit from such support.
6. The General Manager shall be authorized to offer support as described in
section 2 above. The following process shall be used for allocating financial
contributions pursuant to section 2 (e):
(a) The Board of Directors shall annually determine the amount of funds available
for financial contributions.
(b) Contributions shall be made only to organizations submitting requests in
writing. Such requests shall state the name and location of the organization
or activity, the purpose of the contribution, and the means by which the Cooperative
will be recognized.
(c) The General Manager shall make contributions within the limits of the amount
determined by the Board of Directors and in accordance with sections 3, 4 and
5 above.
(d) While making regular annual contributions to organizations is not precluded
by this policy, the General Manager shall also rotate contributions as necessary
in order meet the objective of equitable geographic distribution as stated in
section 5 above.
7. The General Manager shall annually provide a report to the Board of all donations
and support of community organizations made pursuant to this policy. This information
shall also be provided annually to the members of the Cooperative.