The Consumers Energy Foundation has announced nearly $500,000 in People Award grants for organizations around the state. Spokesperson Terry DeDoes tells WSJM News Consumers focuses its efforts on improving the planet, people, and prosperity, and each of those priorities has a round of grants each year. Among the recipients of people grants is the Ottawa and Allegan County United Way, which is getting $150,000.
“What we’re looking for for these People Award grants are organizations that provide economic security in the area of basic needs, education, and work force readiness,” DeDoes said. “So, this is really hitting on providing the basic needs in Ottawa and Allegan County.”
DeDoes says the Ottawa and Allegan County United Way will use the money to make its Goods Donation Center permanent. Created as a temporary solution to COVID-19 requirements, the center provides basic needs like food, clothing, personal items, and household goods to Asset Limited, Income, Constrained people in those counties. Also getting grants are Muskegon Community College for STEM programs and the Michigan Community College Association to help asset limited students.
