FAQ

Founded in 2016, the Southside Opportunity Fund (SOF) was created by Southside Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization awards scholarships and other opportunities for SEC members and their families.

Income to pay out the scholarships and other opportunities will come from donations and various fundraising events put on throughout the year, including, but not limited to, a golf tournament in the spring and clay shooting tournament in the fall, individual and business donations, and bequests.

Donations to the SOF can be made in the form of cash or checks made payable to:

Southside Opportunity Fund
PO Box 7
Crewe, VA 23930

SOF is a qualified charitable organization filed under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and a tax professional should be consulted with to determine the amount of the contribution that is tax deductible.

• The applicant’s residence must receive electricity from Southside Electric Cooperative.
• Applicant must receive a high school diploma or GED by the fall of 2026.
• The applicant must be entering his or her first semester at college or technical/trade school.
• Proof of admission is required.

The awarded monies will be paid directly to the higher learning institution.  It is the recipient’s responsibility to notify the school as to how the funds are to be used.

The award recipient will receive a letter with instructions, which will include, but is not limited to, providing:

1. Copy of acceptance letter on the college or trade school letterhead
2. Student identification number
3. Name and address of department that should receive scholarship check
4. Notify school to confirm how scholarship award is to be used

Scholarship awards are typically not taxable if the award is used for qualified education-related expenses; however, a tax professional should be consulted to determine the taxability of the scholarship.

For those interested in scholarship awards for the SVCC Power Line Worker Training School, please contact the Member Engagement & Communications Department at Southside Electric Cooperative by calling (800) 552-2118.