Thursday, January 20, 2011

Grant Declination: AEP Ohio (BDPA Columbus)

BDPA Columbus worked with BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) on a $12,500 grant proposal to the American Electric Power Foundation. We sought the funding to support the youth education programs that are scheduled to take place this year in Columbus, OH.

We learned last month that our request was declined because it was outside of the focused area of giving for AEP Ohio. The declination letter read as follows:


Dear Mr. Hicks,

Thank you for your recent inquiry requesting AEP Ohio to consider sponsoring the Columbus-based Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.

Much like your inquiry, AEP Ohio receives numerous donation requests from many deserving organizations throughout the 63 counties that comprise our service territory in Ohio.

We continue our strong corporate and employee support of the many United Way organizations in our communities. However, as with many businesses and industries, the slowed economy has caused us to refocus our philanthropic activities towards areas of basic human need that include assisting our low income customers with access to affordable housing, health care and in helping our community partners feed the hungry.

With the above in mind, your request falls outside of our focused area of giving. Given that, and with our limited resources, we must regrettably decline your request.

It is our sincerest hope that your efforts prove successful and that you achieve the desired outcomes you've defined in your request.

Sincerely,
Lynette Cregge, Chairperson
AEP Ohio Contributions Committee

BETF will continue to work with BDPA Columbus chapter on future grant proposals. As always, we encourage all 45 chapters to call with any questions on how best to seek funding through the BDPA Foundation.

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