Big Country Development Corporation (BCDC)
The Big Country Development Corporation (BCDC) supports rural economic development and job creation within Big Country Electric Cooperative’s service area. BCDC provides financial support to qualifying organizations and projects that strengthen local economies, encourage community vitality, and improve quality of life across the communities we serve.
Funding Source
BCDC funding is made possible through a portion of escheated (unclaimed) capital credits. When capital credit payments remain unclaimed after required notification efforts, those funds are remitted to the State of Texas in accordance with state law.
Texas law allows electric cooperatives to retain a percentage of these unclaimed funds for specific community-benefit purposes, including:
- Scholarships and youth education initiatives
- Energy efficiency and conservation programs
- Local economic development efforts
BCDC funds represent the economic development portion of these retained unclaimed capital credits. Because the amount of unclaimed funds varies significantly from year to year, BCDC funding availability is fully discretionary and dependent on the balance of funds available at the time of review.
Eligible Uses & Project Focus
Similar to rural economic development programs such as REDLG, BCDC funding is intended to support projects that promote sustainable local economic growth. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Workforce development and job creation initiatives
- Business attraction or retention efforts
- Community infrastructure or facility improvements
- Tourism and destination development (including “heads-in-beds” projects that drive overnight stays)
- Programs that stimulate long-term economic activity and community investment
Projects should demonstrate a clear community benefit and align with BCDC’s mission to strengthen the local economy within Big Country Electric Cooperative’s service territory.
Application & Review Process
Organizations interested in applying for BCDC support will complete the online application form, which includes required documentation and project details.
- Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Big Country Electric Cooperative Board of Directors.
- Requests exceeding $5,000 may require the applicant to provide a brief presentation to the Board as part of the review process.
- Funding decisions are based on project merit, community impact, eligibility, and the availability of funds at the time of review.
Important Funding Disclaimer
Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Approved projects may receive full funding, partial funding, or no funding, depending on available resources and Board discretion.
Because BCDC funding is tied to unclaimed capital credits, available funds can fluctuate significantly from year to year.
Despite these limitations, BCDC encourages eligible organizations to apply and welcomes proposals that demonstrate meaningful economic benefit to our communities.
