SharingChange Grants

Funding for projects that help our communities 

How member giving supports local causes 

SharingChange is MTE's charitable foundation funded by members who choose to round up their bills or add a set amount each month. 100% of those funds go directly to local nonprofits through SharingChange grants. More than 500 local nonprofits and charities have received grants through the foundation. If your organization serves people in the MTE service area, this page explains who can apply, what grants can fund, how applications are reviewed, and how to get started.  

Who can apply 

SharingChange grants support projects that benefit communities in the MTE service area. Organizations apply for their own projects. 

SharingChange doesn't fund: 

• Candidates for political office or political purposes 
• Government entities 
• Schools or their supporting organizations 
• Expressly religious organizations 

Helping someone in need 

Individuals can't apply for a grant themselves, but a qualifying organization can apply on their behalf. For example, if a family loses their home to a fire, a local civic club could apply for a grant to help them. 

How grant funds can be used 

SharingChange grants are supplemental funding. That means a grant adds to the other funds a project already has in place. Grants don't cover salaries, ongoing expenses, or capital expenditures, such as the purchase or improvement of buildings or major equipment. 

Tips for a strong application 

To give your project its best chance at funding: 

• Fill out the application completely and clearly. 
• List your project's other main funding sources. 
• Explain in detail how you plan to use the funds. 
• Send one application per project. 

How applications are reviewed 

Who reviews applications 

An independent board of unpaid volunteers from the MTE service area reviews every application. Members of the MTE Board of Directors and MTE employees can't serve on this board. 

When the board meets 

The SharingChange Board meets based on the number of applications received. That's usually once a month and at least once every three months. After you apply, you'll get written notice of the date the board will review your application. 

Possible decisions 

Each application is reviewed on its own merits. The board may: 

• Fully fund the request 
• Partly fund the request 
• Hold the request for a future meeting 
• Decline the request 
• Ask your organization to resubmit with more information 

A letter with the board's decision will arrive within a few days after the meeting. 

Apply for a grant 

When your project details and funding sources are ready, start your application. Use the SharingChange grant application.