Program continues to meet unmet needs through CREC service area

Operation Round Up continued to make a meaningful difference across Cuivre River Electric’s five-county service area in 2025.

The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board awarded 290 grants totaling $415,871.34. This marked the second largest annual distribution in the program’s history and the third time in the past four years $400,000 has been surpassed. Since its inception in 1997, Operation Round Up has distributed $8.34 million in grants through December 2025.

Of the funds awarded in 2025, 130 grants totaling $119,361.91 supported individuals and families, 80 grants totaling $216,509.43 were awarded to organizations, and 80 scholarships totaling $80,000 were presented to area students.

Operation Round Up was established to address unmet needs in health, education, home weatherization, community development and emergency services — areas often not fully supported by other resources.

Funding for the program comes from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative members who voluntarily “round up” their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. More than 95 percent of members participate, with the average annual contribution totaling just $6 per member.

Members wishing to give more may enroll in Operation Round Up Plus, which allows an additional monthly donation — such as $1, $5 or more — to be added to their bill. Donations may also be made directly to the Trust, and members can choose to donate their capital credit checks. All contributions are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of Operation Round Up funds are used for grants. 

A seven-member volunteer Trust Board administers the funds and reviews applications monthly. Applications are due by the last day of each month, with the Board meeting on the second Thursday of the following month.

Serving on the Trust Board in 2026 will be Mike Dicken and Julie Rodgers (Lincoln/Pike County); Tamika Cole, Tammi Kneib and Alex Weisner (St. Charles County); and Tammy Miller and Rich Barton (Warren County). Outgoing trustees Kyle Shell and Blanche Kelly were recognized at the December meeting for serving six and five years, respectively, on the Trust Board.

Applicants do not need to be CREC members but must reside within the cooperative’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.