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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative, Inc. Trust is the accumulation and disbursement of Operation Round Up funds for charitable purposes in the Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative, Inc’s service territory.
This shall be accomplished by disbursing funds to non-profit and community organizations in the general service area of Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative solely for charitable, educational, scientific, health or safety purposes. No funds shall be used for political purposes.
Disbursements are made the last Tuesday of each quarter. Applications are due the 15th of the month of the meeting. Annual disbursements shall not exceed $2,500 per organization. This limit may be increased by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Trustees.
This statement may be modified by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Trustees.
Operation Round Up Application for Donation
Applications Due: September 15, 2010, for third quarter distribution of funds
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is Operation Round Up?
Operation Round Up is a program that will be funded by Burke-Divide Electric members who "round up" their monthly electric bills to the next dollar and co-op employees who "round down" their monthly paychecks. Funds will be awarded to community-based, non-profit organizations within the cooperative’s service area.
Where did the idea originate?
The idea for Operation Round Up was originally developed at a South Carolina electric cooperative, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, in 1989. The program’s success prompted other cooperatives across the country to adopt the same program.
How does it work?
A member participating in Operation Round Up with an electric bill of $38.63 would actually pay $39. The extra 37 cents is placed into the Operation Round Up fund. On average, a member donates 50 cents a month, or $6 a year. The most any member would donate is 99 cents a month, or less than $12 a year. But with hundreds of electric cooperative members participating, the pennies quickly add up.
Members may also choose to contribute additional amounts each month.
Employees of Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative will also participate in the program by “rounding down” their paychecks.
Who can apply for funds?
Non-profit and community organizations are eligible to apply for Operation Round Up funds. Funds will be disbursed in the general service area of Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative solely for charitable, educational, scientific, health or safety purposes. Organizations must be exempt from federal income tax under s501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Funds cannot be used for political purposes.
Organizations interested in applying for Operation Round Up funds should request an application from the cooperative.
Who decides where the money goes?
A board of three trustees, selected by the Board of Directors, will review Operation Round Up applications during the year and determine where the funds will be donated.
Am I required to participate?
Members are not required to participate. Members wishing to have their account removed from the Operation Round Up program can simply call the cooperative at (701) 939-6671 or send an e-mail to bdec@bdec.coop. | 
