Fueled by the generous contributions from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative members, Operation Round Up continues to make a big impact in the communities we serve.

In 2023, the CREC Community Trust Board awarded 265 grants totaling $345,337.06. Of the amount, 130 grants equaling $134,115.57 were issued to individuals and families, 70 grants for $146,221.49 were presented to organizations and 65 scholarships totaling $65,000 were awarded to area students.

Since formed in 1997, Operation Round Up has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants. The program was created to address needs in the areas of health, education, home weatherization, community and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources.

“Thank you to all of our members for their support and assisting hundreds of families, college students and community groups in our service area,” said Tim Schmidt, Operation Round Up coordinator. “Your small change makes a big difference in the lives of so many we call neighbors.”

Operation Round Up funds are made possible from CREC members who voluntarily “round up” their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dollar. Over 95 percent of the cooperative’s members participate in Operation Round Up. The average yearly donation is just $6 per member.

Members who wish to donate more each month may enroll in Operation Round Up Plus. This allows for an extra donation amount — such as $1, $5 or more — to be added to their monthly bill. Donations may also be made directly to the Trust or members can choose to donate their capital credit checks to the program. 

All contributions are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of the funds allocated to Operation Round Up are used for grants. 
Operation Round Up funds are administered each month by the seven-member volunteer Trust Board. Applications are accepted monthly, with the deadline the final day of each month. The Trust Board reviews each application and meets on the second Thursday of the following month. 

The following people will serve on the Trust Board in 2023: Redonda Heitman and Blanche Kelly (Lincoln/Pike County), Kyle Shell, Lisa Dunham and Tammi Kneib (St. Charles County), and Tammy Miller and Rich Barton (Warren County).
Applicants are not required to be CREC members, but they must reside in the co-op’s service area. For more information, call 636-695-4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com. Applications are available at the Troy and Lake Saint Louis offices or can be downloaded here.