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 Operation Round Up helps six area organizations in 2010
When Burke-Divide Electric members pay their electric bills each month, they are doing much more than just buying electricity. They are also giving back to their community.
In February 2010, Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative began a charitable giving program called Operation Round Up intended to benefit organizations and communities across the cooperative’s service territory. Through Operation Round Up, cooperative members “round up” their electric bills to the next whole dollar each month with the extra pennies going to the Operation Round Up fund. Burke-Divide Electric employees also contribute to the Operation Round Up fund by “rounding down” their paychecks each month.
At Burke-Divide Electric, Operation Round Up operates as the Burke-Divide Electric Trust. Three cooperative members, selected by the board of directors, serve on the trust board and meet four times a year to review applications and determine where funds will be donated.
2010 GRANTS
Six grants, totaling $5,988, were awarded to area organizations in 2010 from the Burke-Divide Electric Trust.
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The St. Luke’s Community Foundation in Crosby was received $1,000 for its capital campaign to build a new clinic and renovate its existing hospital to better serve the increasing need for medical facilities and services in the area.
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The Divide County Museum and Historical Society was awarded $988 to replace glass in the museum’s display cases.
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The Powers Lake Music Boosters received $1,000 to assist the High School band and choir with travel expenses as they compete in a music festival in Denver, Colo.
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The Powers Lake Community Childcare Association was awarded $1,000. to use in its capital campaign and facility expansion. The childcare facility opened in July 2010 and provides care for more than 20 children. When complete the lower level of the building will house the Powers Lake Community Preschool.
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The Portal Lodge 84 was awarded $1,000 for its scholarship fund. The lodge awards five, $600 scholarships to area high school graduates each year and hopes to grow this amount with the help of Operation Round Up funds.
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The Portal City Memorial Park Board was awarded $1,000 to be used toward the purchase of new, safer playground equipment and repair of park restrooms. |
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.
Operation Round Up Application for Funds
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.
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