Local nonprofit community organizations are encouraged to apply for Operation Round Up® grants, made available by participating members of North Star Electric Cooperative. Members voluntarily contribute to the program by allowing the Cooperative to round up their bills to the nearest dollar. For example, a bill of $56.78 would be rounded up to $57.00, with the remaining 22 cents placed in a Community Trust fund.
“The average annual contribution from a member is about $6, or 50 cents a month,” said Kevin Holen, Member Services Manager. “But together, the small change adds up to significant dollars for local projects. At 70% participation rate we would generate more than $13,000 every six months for community service projects.”
Seven volunteer Community Trust board members, appointed by the North Star Electric Cooperative board of directors, administer the Operation Round Up program. Community Trust board members will serve up to two four-year terms.
Eligible funding categories include community service, economic development, education, youth, environmental or disaster relief. Donations will not be made to individuals. The Community Trust board will meet twice a year to review applications and distribute funds. Application deadlines are May 31 and November 30.
To apply for an Operation Round Up grant, community groups and organizations that serve communities in the North Star service area may request the form and instructions by calling the Cooperative office (634-2202 or 888-634-2202) or by printing a copy from this website, under the “Forms” tab.
