It's only small change - 1¢ to 99¢ per month - but when you multiply that by the thousands who participate in Operation Round Up®, it makes a big difference.
Since Operation Round Up began, our members have contributed over $950,000 to improve the quality of life in our communities.
How it works
Each month, your energy bill is "rounded up" to the next highest dollar. The average yearly contribution from each participant is $6. The maximum yearly contribution is $11.88. Contributions are tax deductible.
The money collected is pooled with contributions from other participating members. A trust board, representing a good cross section of local community members who are aware of our communities' needs, disperses the funds. The board meets four times each year to screen and approve donation requests.
The trust board allocates funds according to general guidelines. Categories include; Community Service, Economic Development, Education and Youth, Environment, Emergency Energy Assistance and Disaster Relief. All funds are used locally, except in cases of unusual disasters.
You can help. Sign up now to participate in Operation Round Up.
How are charities chosen?
Charities are chosen based on immediate need and through grant applications. The following organizations recently received grants from the East Central Energy Trust:
- $1,000 - Mille Lacs Hospice - to purchase much needed personal care supplies for hospice patients
- $3,455 - Town of Superior Fire Department - to purchase an all-terrain vehicle for rescue and fire operations in northern Douglas county
- $1,000 - Comprehensive Arts Planning - for author/illustrator Warren Hanson at the Trailview and Fairview Elementary Schools in Mora
- $1,000 - Cambridge School District Early Childhood Programs - for expenses associated with the Week of the Young Child
- $1,000 - Foley Public Schools - for the Seeds to Forest Project
- $3,000 - Isle School District - for the purchase of an Automatic External Defibrillator and accessories that are necessary to save lives in case of cardiac arrest
- $3,000 - City of Sandstone - to repair the asphalt on the Sandstone Junction Trail
- $10,000 Lakes and Pines - for emergency fuel assistance
- $3,000 Tri-County Action Programs - for emergency fuel assistance
Local charitable organizations that want to apply for an East Central Energy Trust grant may download an
application here or call 1-800-254-7944 ext. 2065 to request an application form.
Operation Round Up trust board meetings for 2008 are: January 29, April 29, July 29 and October 21. The deadlines for applications are: January 4, April 4, June 24, and September 24.
