Organizations that serve the community and meet the following criteria will be considered for a grant under the Community Investment Program:

• Organizations that have tax-exempt status, i.e., 501(c)(3) or equivalent as defined by the Internal Revenue Code;
• Organizations whose focus is on educational, environmental, cultural and public safety programs;
• Organizations that are not substantially funded by the United Way;
• Organizations that are not substantially government funded;
• Organizations whose objectives are clearly defined and reasonably capable of being achieved;
• Organizations whose objectives and programs are consistent with the company's Community Investment Program strategies and commitments;
• Organizations that have an active governing board and officers.
• Monies are to be used within a 12-month period with supporting documentation submitted. A CIC committee member will be contacting the organization for that supporting documentation and the monies must be used for the specific purpose for which the grant was approved.
• Local chapters of national organizations must include with application their local chapter letter.

Excluded Investments

Grants will not be made to, or for, the following:

• United Way organizations
• Government funded organizations
• School districts and municipalities with taxing authority
• Individuals
• Advertising
• Administrative salaries
• General operating expenses
• Large capital construction projects
• Private foundations that are themselves grant making bodies
• School districts and municipalities with taxing authority
• Beauty or talent contests
• Athletic scholarships, funds or recreational activities such as leagues or teams
• Organizations outside O&R's service territory (unless justification can be demonstrated for granting an exception)
• Parties, banquets and golf outings of any kind
• Donations of electric or gas service
• In kind services of any kind
• An event that has already passed or an event that will happen within 5 to 6 weeks of the application