Community
CARE/ACRE
What are CARE and ACRE?
CARE and ACRE are bipartisan political action committees (PACs) that were created to support legislators and candidates who support the principles of rural electrification.
Colorado Advocates For Rural Electrification (CARE)
CARE is the Colorado PAC, and its funds are maintained in Denver and administered by Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) through the CARE Committee and memberships. This money is used primarily for candidates to the Colorado General Assembly (ACRE money cannot be used for state races). Decisions to support candidates are made by the CARE Committee, which is composed of one person from each of CREA’s five districts, two employee representatives, a Tri-State representative, and CREA’s executive director. For more information on the CARE program or eligibility to participate, please contact Tim Coleman, Government Relations Specialist, at 303-455-2700 or Email Tim Coleman
For a list of CARE committee members and districts visit CREA’s website.
Who is Eligible to Join CARE?
Any citizen of the United States can join CARE.
Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE)
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE®) is the federal Political Action Committee (PAC) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Founded in 1966 by the approximately 1,000 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives of NRECA, ACRE supports candidates for the U.S. House and Senate-those in office now and running for office-who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners (members).
ACRE contributions to candidates are backed by over 36,000 eligible members across 47 states with an average contribution of $65, making it truly a grassroots PAC. NRECA has the opportunity to motivate its 42 million consumer-members to be politically active through the ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action® program.
ACRE raises personal, voluntary contributions from NRECA’s eligible membership. Federal law prohibits soliciting contributions from individuals other than NRECA and member-systems’ eligible employees, boards of directors, consumer-members and the families of such individuals. Contributions from ineligible individuals will be returned. Learn more about ACRE on NRECA’s website. For more information on the ACRE program or eligibility to participate, please contact Gabe Snow, ACRE Director, at 703-907-5799 or Email Gabe Snow.
Who is Eligible to Join ACRE?
ACRE members must meet at least one of these qualifications: Directors, managers, salaried employees, salaried attorneys employed by the cooperative, consumer-owners (members) of a rural electric system belonging to NRECA, and spouses and the immediate family of eligible individuals are eligible to join ACRE.
What is the Length of a CARE/ACRE Membership?
The CARE/ACRE membership year runs from January 1 through December 31. If you join anytime between these two dates, your membership will be eligible for renewal on January 1.
How are Funds Raised?
CARE and ACRE both raise money through memberships. Additionally, CARE raises money through special fundraising activities, such as the auction held in conjunction with CREA’s fall meeting.
To Become a Member…
Fill out the entire membership donation form (PDF) and submit your donation to the address listed on the form.
Membership Classification and Dues
| Certification | Dues |
| ACRE Regular | $25 |
| CARE Regular | $30 |
| CARE Member Plus Spouse | $40 |
| ACRE and CARE | $55 |
| Century Club Members | $100 |
| Vice President’s Club | $250 |
| President’s Club | $500 |
| Leadership Circle | $1,000 |
Century, Vice President, President, and Leadership Club members are automatically members of both ACRE and CARE.
Federal laws prohibit corporate contribution to CARE/ACRE. Membership levels are suggestions only. You have the right to refuse to contribute. Political contributions are not deductible for federal or state tax purposes.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) administers Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE), a political action committee supporting federal candidates. For more information on ACRE please see NRECA’s website.
Legal Disclaimer
ACRE raises personal, voluntary contributions from NRECA’s eligible membership. Federal law prohibits soliciting contributions from individuals other than NRECA and member-systems’ eligible employees, boards of directors, consumer-owners (members), and the families of such individuals. Contributions from ineligible individuals will be returned. For more information on the ACRE program or eligibility to participate, please contact Gabe Snow, ACRE Director, at 703-907-5799 or Email Gabe Snow.
Contributions to the NRECA Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE®) are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to ACRE® are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute.
