| Resource Type | Website |
| Author / Source | Forth |
| Publication Date | Founded 2011; ongoing |
| Location | Headquartered in Oregon (national policy advocacy and primarily Pacific Northwest program delivery) |
| Initiative Type | Partnership, Program, Policy |
| Project Complexity | Beginner |
| Recommended For | Staff, Community Organizations |
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
Forth is a nonprofit focused on equitable transportation electrification, including passenger EVs, fleet electrification, and the E-Farms partnership for farm electrification. Co-op leaders looking for a partner organization to support member-facing EV programs, ride-and-drive events, fleet conversion planning, or transportation electrification policy advocacy can use this resource to evaluate whether Forth's programs and policy work align with their service territory.
The organization is particularly useful as a model and potential partner for co-ops considering transportation electrification as a load growth strategy.
Key Takeaways
| › | Forth's mission centers on equitable access to electric transportation, framing that aligns with co-op service obligations to all members regardless of income. |
| › | The organization works across passenger EVs, fleet vehicles, electric agriculture (e-farms), and policy advocacy, offering co-ops multiple entry points for collaboration. |
| › | Forth produces educational materials, ride-and-drive events, and policy reports that co-ops can leverage for member education without building from scratch. |
| › | Partnerships with state agencies, utilities, and other nonprofits demonstrate a multi-partner model co-ops can replicate or join. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: Forth operates as a partner organization rather than a funder. Co-ops engaging Forth should plan for joint program funding through utility budgets, foundation grants, or state clean transportation programs.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Smaller co-ops without in-house transportation electrification expertise may benefit from contracting Forth or similar organizations for member education events, program design support, or technical assistance.
Notable Examples
- E-Farms program: The farm electrification partnership Forth co-leads with Sustainable Northwest, Wy'East RC&D, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
- Forth ride-and-drive events: Member-facing EV education programs co-ops can adapt for their service territories.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
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