What is Operation Round Up?
In the spirit of community and compassion, electric cooperatives have been making a positive impact on the lives of people since the 1940s. At our cooperative, we are committed to uplifting the quality of life for those in our service area, and one of our remarkable community service initiatives is the Operation Round Up program.
Operation Round Up is a powerful testament to the collective strength of our cooperative and its members. Through this program, we pool voluntary contributions from our generous members, who selflessly choose to round up their electric bills to the next dollar. These small yet meaningful contributions come together to create a significant fund dedicated to charitable giving.
The inspiration for Operation Round Up originated at Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hilton Head, SC, where visionary co-op leaders recognized the need to support communities in a meaningful way. This simple yet powerful idea has since spread across the nation, and we are proud to be a part of this worthy endeavor.
The success of Operation Round Up is a testament to the kindness and generosity of our members. It is through their selfless contributions that we can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of those facing challenges in our community.
If you know of an individual or organization worthy of consideration to apply for grant money from this charitable fund, please apply:
Individual grant application
Organization grant application
Deadline for applications are the last day of each quarter: March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Celebrating 20 years of giving!
For the past 20 years, KEM Electric members have raised nearly $124,000 with simply rounding up their electric bill to the nearest dollar. For the majority of members, that amounts to an annual donation of only $6. The cost is nearly that of a coffee from a specialty store, yet its impact is great and has allowed members the ability to give back to the community with over 334 donations – and counting.
Directors: Through KEM Electric Operation Round Up, contributions are collected through billing, and then deposited to a separate trust fund. A trust fund board is responsible for the distribution of all funds. Currently members include Sue Wald from Napoleon; Michael Knoll from Hague; Derry Pool from Pollock; Tami Naaden from Braddock; Susan Meidinger from Zeeland; Sherry Fettig from Wishek; and Charley Cichy from Dawson.