The Good¢ents program began March 1, 2011. Good¢ents rounds up a monthly electric bill to the next highest dollar. For example, a monthly bill of $97.65 would be rounded up to $98.00, with the additional 35 cents going to the Good¢ents fund. This small change, about 50 cents per month, raises thousands of dollars every year that go to building a stronger community. The donations are documented on our blog. Look in the sidebar for a list of the awards.
Who chose to implement this round-up program?
In the spring of 2010, all GVEA members were mailed Bylaw election ballots. The addition of a round-up program, or Good¢ents, was one of the ballot initiatives members were asked to vote on. More than 70 percent voted in favor of a round up program.
Why should I participate?
Good¢ents is an inexpensive and easy way to give back to your community. By pooling our small change together, we can do far more than we could alone. The average member will give $6 per year; that's a mere 50 cents per month.
If I have multiple accounts, will they all be rounded up?
Yes. Every GVEA account will be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. If you would prefer only certain accounts participate, please contact us.
Are my contributions tax deductible? Come tax time, how will I know how much I contributed over the year?
Yes, these contributions can be considered tax deductible, charitable donations. On your bills during first quarter of each year, we will include a line indicating how much you contributed over the previous year.
Who can apply for funds?
Non-profit groups and individuals/families in need in our service territory are welcome to apply. Groups based outside of our service territory are also welcome to apply if their works affect those in our service territory.
Applications for organizations and individuals/families may be downloaded in PDF form or obtained at one of our GVEA offices in Fairbanks, Delta Junction and Nenana.
What are the award amount guidelines?
Individual: $3,500
Organization: $15,000
Who reviews applications and selects which projects or programs will be funded?
A volunteer, six-member board of trustees oversees the Good¢ents funds.
Why is GVEA automatically enrolling everyone in the program and requiring us to opt-out, rather than asking members to join?
Golden Valley’s Member Advisory Committee and Board of Directors debated the notion of automatically enrolling all members versus voluntary enrollment. Research among the more than 250 cooperatives nationwide participating in similar programs showed we would have much better involvement if we chose the former. It’s not because people don’t want to participate, it’s because most people simply wouldn’t take the initiative to contact us to sign up.
The program is voluntary in the sense that a member can choose not to participate at any time.
What do I do if I don’t want to participate in Good¢ents?
If you choose not to participate, all you have to do is call GVEA at (907) 458-4522 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
In addition, if anytime in the first three years you decide you want your money back, let us know and we’ll refund the entire amount you’ve contributed.
Good¢ents business documents
