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.

Recent grants include:

• Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution program--$2,500 to assist with the costs of providing food to individuals and families in financial stress.
• Friendship Ventures--$3,000 to support a scholarship fund for the program, which serves families who have a member with disabilities.
• Haven Center, Inc.--$2,500 to provide scholarships that will allow residents of east central Minnesota to obtain mental health services.
• Highland, WI Volunteer Fire Department EMS/Rescue--$2,660 to help with the purchase of river rescue equipment.
• Pregnancy Resource Center of Pine City--$800 to be used for cribs and other baby equipment.
• Rum River Interfaith Caregivers--$5,000 for upgrading the organization's computer network and software.
• Rural AIDS Action Network--$600 to be used for Aids prevention educational materials.
• Town of Superior, WI Volunteer Fire Department--$2,660 to help purchase telescoping floodlights with poles for use at emergency scenes.
• McGrath Area Civic Organization--$500 to help purchase books for a Read-A-Thon program.
• Milaca Elementary School--$500 to be used toward books for a Reading-Around-Town program.
• Pine County Salvation Army--$400 to purchase school supplies for children in need.
• Rainbow Child Care in Cambridge--$2,000 to provide scholarships that will give more area children access to the early education program.
• The Refuge Network--$1,000 to help with the costs of a school-based violence prevention program.
  
  
  You can help. Sign up now to participate in Operation Round Up.

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How are charities chosen?
Charities are chosen based on immediate need and through grant applications. 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 were: January 4, April 4, June 24, and September 24.

The 2009 dates are:
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - Applications are due December 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - Applications are due March 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - Applications are due June 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - Applications are due September 22, 2009