The mission of Ocala Electric Utility’s (OEU) C.A.R.E. (Communities are the Responsibility of Everyone) program is to connect employees with programs, projects, and organizations serving the needs and making a difference within our community. This is accomplished by providing financial gifts and community service from OEU. The C.A.R.E. program responds to important community needs and demonstrates community commitment by supporting non-profit organizations projecting a positive image and advances a public purpose such as: promotion of public health, safety, education, environmental, economic and/or youth development programs.

Apply

The C.A.R.E. Program Application is available online year round, and the guidelines define the framework of our C.A.R.E program process. In order to maintain public confidence in the funding of organizations, activities or programs, all applications are carefully considered to ensure there is no conflict of interest, real or perceived, and any contributions made is in the best interest of the City of Ocala. C.A.R.E. funding shall not exceed $1,000 in support per program. OEU takes pride in investing in our community, however, our financial resources are limited and it is impossible to fulfill all requests. This document is a guide and shall not be considered perpetual or otherwise guaranteed for any recurring activities, programs or events.

Application Timeline:

• C.A.R.E Program Acceptance: January 1 - 31
• C.A.R.E. Review: February 1 - 28
• C.A.R.E. Announcements: March 1 - 31
• C.A.R.E Payment: October 1 - December 31

Strong Applications Will:

• Demonstrate past or future OEU employee involvement
• Illustrate clearly defined outcomes projected from OEU investment, and an evaluation process to determine if the desired outcomes were achieved
• Demonstrate collaboration among other entities serving a similar population or who have resources that can be leveraged to enhance results
• Demonstrate sustainability in the absence of OEU’s funding

To begin the application process, please complete the OEU Sponsorship Form.

Community Sponsorship Investments

• Education and Youth Development Programs
  • STEM Education
  • Mentorship
  • Scholarship Programs
• Arts, Culture and Humanities
• Environmental, Safety, Health and Human Services
• Economic Development
• Diversity Programs

Community Sponsorships NOT Funded:

• Individual political campaigns/party funding religious groups
• Groups that discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, or national origin, activities, organizations, or causes that do not advance community enhancement
• Activities, organizations, or causes that do not advance a public purpose or OEU corporate purpose

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Tammy Hoff, Public Education and Outreach Coordinator, Ocala Electric Utility at thoff@ocalafl.org.

Tammy Hoff
Public Education & Outreach Coordinator
Email: thoff@ocalafl.org
Office: (352) 351-6626
Cell: (352) 299-5210