Since 1985, the NRECA International Foundation has been bringing electricity and its benefits to millions of people in remote areas of the developing world. The Foundation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

The Foundation has two primary objectives:

1) To establish new electric cooperatives in developing countries.

2) To strengthen the institutional capacity of existing local co-ops and utilities.

Funding for the Foundation’s programs comes primarily from NRECA’s member cooperatives and employees. Domestic and overseas cooperatives work closely together, reinforcing the cooperative principle of Concern for Community and creating enduring personal and professional relationships.

The Foundation provides an important mechanism for international development that encourages hands-on, direct involvement in spreading the benefits of electrification. As evidence of its effectiveness, in 2004, it acted as a conduit for nearly $240,000 in direct donations, as well as over $450,000 in in-kind donations, including volunteer time, vehicles, and electric equipment.

The NRECA international Foundation is registered as a charitable organization under the IRS tax code 501(c)(3). Thus, all donations made to the NRECA International Foundation are tax-deductible.

Regardless of the nature of the contributions, the International Foundation projects grow because individuals and cooperatives, domestically and internationally, have taken an active interest in helping electrify the world … one village at time.