Integrity Fund Renews Call for Electric Co-op Contributions

In late April, CFC mailed letters to all members inviting contributions to the Cooperative System Integrity Fund and providing a “Participation Authorization” form for those wanting to set aside a portion of their CFC patronage capital distribution for fiscal year 2022 or contribute to the fund by other means. The CFC Board of Directors voted not to seek contributions in fiscal year 2021 due to pandemic business disruptions.

“Even though patronage capital distribution amounts are not approved until the July CFC Board of Directors meeting, the form [due June 30] allows members to designate a percentage of this year’s retirement to the Integrity Fund ahead of time,” CFC Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations Brad Captain said.

Since its creation in 1986, the Integrity Fund—administered by CFC with decisions made by a five-member committee composed of CFC, NRECA and Rural Electric Statewide Managers Association representatives—has awarded more than $29 million in grants to nearly 300 cooperatives in 43 states to fight takeover and annexation bids by investor-owned utilities and municipal electric systems; preserve rights to offer non-electric energy services; and resist regulatory, judicial or legislative actions that threaten the cooperative business model. Cooperatives do not have to contribute to the fund to request assistance.

“Integrity Fund grants are funded exclusively by the rural electric network, for the rural electric network,” Captain, a member of the Integrity Fund Committee, added.

For questions about the Integrity Fund, contact Captain at brad.captain@nrucfc.coop or Donna Goff at donna.goff@nrucfc.coop.