BEK Grants Making an Impact

In last month’s issue of the Beacon, we announced the 14 recipients of grant funding through the BEK Community Partnership Program (CPP). This program is designed to support local organizations that are working to improve and strengthen the communities served by BEK.

Created by the BEK Board of Directors, the CPP aims to meet both present and future community needs. Grant applications are evaluated twice a year, in April and October, with recipients chosen based on the impact of their project and how well it aligns with BEK’s mission to promote community progress.

Here’s a look at how some of the grant recipients plan to use the funds they received through the program:

City of Steele

Header Photo (Left to Right):  Mary Rohrich, City of Steele Community Coordinator – Brett Stroh, BEK Board President – Norm Fries, Steele Mayor

The City of Steele will use grant dollars from BEK to help fund repairs to its Community Building, a vital gathering place for local clubs, organizations, and residents. Specifically, the funds will go toward replacing three leaking windows in an unused lower-level room. Once repaired, the additional space will ease scheduling challenges and expand access for community use, enhancing the building’s role as a central hub for civic life in Steele.

(Left to Right):  Judy VanBeek, Linton Senior Club Board – Becky Thatcher-Keller, Emmons Co. Senior Food Service Executive Director – Deloris Volk, Emmons Co. Senior Food Service Board – Elsie Holzer, Linton Senior Club President – Holly Will, BEK Board Director

Linton Senior Center

The Linton Senior Center will use their grant to install a hood vent over the dishwasher. This upgrade will improve air circulation, enhance kitchen safety, and support continued meal service for local seniors in a cleaner, more comfortable environment.

(Right to Left):  Ed Everson, BEK Board Director – Wes Anderson, Barnes Co. Historical Society Curator

Barnes Co. Historical Society

The Barnes County Historical Society plans to use their dollars to support the Valley City, ND: National WWII Heritage City project. As North Dakota’s only designated World War II Heritage City, the society is committed to preserving and sharing the stories of local residents and rural life during the war. The project will create permanent exhibits at 10 locations throughout Valley City and a central display in the museum. These exhibits, along with a new webpage and downloadable tour brochure, will guide residents and visitors through the community’s contributions to the American Home Front during WWII, ensuring this important history is remembered for generations to come.

(Right to Left):  Ed Everson, BEK Board Director – Mary Lee Nielson, Sheyenne River Water Trail Advisory Committee Member

Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway

The Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway will use their BEK grant to complete the Barnes County portion of the 199-mile Sheyenne River Water Trail. Funds will support the installation of river safety signage, seven concrete pads for map and safety kiosks, a handicap-accessible floating dock with ramp, garbage receptacle pads, and bike racks. An engineering firm will oversee the legal placement of in-river signage to alert paddlers of rapids, dams, and portage areas. These improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and navigation, bringing the trail one step closer to national designation by the National Park Service.

(Left to Right):  Paul Schauer, Wilton Rural Ambulance District Treasurer – Sanford Williams, BEK Board Director

Wilton Rural Ambulance District

The Wilton Rural Ambulance District will use grant dollars from BEK to help purchase a new ambulance. Serving nearly 1,000 square miles across northern Burleigh County and southeastern McLean County, including the communities of Wilton, Regan, Wing, and Baldwin, the new vehicle will enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure reliable service to rural residents across the region.

“Community is the heart of our mission at BEK,” says Brett Stroh, President of the BEK Board of Directors. “When we support local organizations, we help to build stronger communities.”

To learn more about the BEK Community Partnership Program, or to apply, visit bek.coop/coop/cpp/.