CRPUD supports non-profits through grants and car wash programs

Columbia River PUD has two open opportunities to support local non-profits: Vehicle Wash and Economic Development Grant programs. The Vehicle Wash program invites local non-profit groups to apply to wash approximately 10 Columbia River PUD vehicles that include bucket trucks, service trucks, passenger cars, and sport-utility vehicles in exchange for a $500 check made out to the non-profit.

Non-profits submit through the CRPUD website under the “Our Community” section and can select preferred dates. If there are more groups interested than dates available, a lottery drawing is held for random selection. Two groups are chosen each month, and each qualifying group must have six to eight volunteers. Children can participate but are required to be at least 12 years of age with a minimum of two adults who will supervise them.

CRPUD provides all the necessary supplies and equipment, and all washing is done from the ground with no climbing on the vehicles permitted. Vehicles are washed once a month from March through September and are scheduled for the second Saturday of the month with the washes beginning at 9 a.m. According to CRPUD, groups are usually finished by 11:30 a.m.

The Economic Development Grant Program is for local non-profits engaged in promoting economic development activities for the community. The program has an approved budget of $50,000, and is awarded as funding is available and at the discretion of the CRPUD board of directors.

Applications are submitted online and require information about how the project promotes sustainable economic growth or activities, creates jobs, attracts local spending, and helps an organization survive or grow among other criteria. Also required are an estimated budget and other funding sources. Full details are available on the website and within the application. All awarded funds must be used only for the purposes and activities described in the application, with any unused funds being returned to CRPUD.

Applicants are notified within eight to 12 weeks if the funding is approved by the board of directors. Grant applications are considered public records, and the details of the project may be discussed in a public board meeting. Grant recipients for 2024 were Scappoose Senior Center (to reroof its Bread Store), Sande School of Horsemanship (for its facility expansion project), and City of St. Helens (for upgrades at McCormick Park).