Operation Round Up


People doing together what can't be done individually. Operation Round Up

Operation Round Up is a simple, low-cost way Cass County Electric Cooperative members can give back to the community. Since 1993, Operation Round Up has donated more than $3.879 million to local individuals in need and nonprofit organizations right here in southeastern North Dakota through our member's generosity. Member's contributions go towards improving the lives of others. 

 


Members helping members

For less than $1 per month, you can make a difference in your community. Participation is simple: your monthly electric bill is rounded up to the nearest dollar, an estimated average of $6 per year. You will see a summary of contributions on your January electric bill. A volunteer board meets quarterly to distribute the funds, which are used primarily within Cass County Electric Cooperative's service area for charitable, educational, environmental, and emergency assistance purposes. The funds will never be used for political purposes or utility bills.

 

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Operation Round Up

$3.879 Millions of dollars donated

3

$3.879 Million donated

years of donations

29

Years of donations

Organizations awarded funds

50

Organizations awarded funds in 2022


A few of the MANY donation categories

Medical expenses

Shelters

Fire & rescue

Education

Culture & arts

Animal services

Transportation

Child & family services

Program Questions

The funds are used for projects in the areas and communities served by Cass County Electric Cooperative. Certain projects could conceivably benefit both members and non-members of Cass County Electric Cooperative.

  • Nonprofit organizations may download the application for grant funding and email the completed application to Sarah Rhea at srhea@kwh.com.

  • Deadline to apply: Applications must be returned by the 15th of the month prior to the next meeting for consideration. The Operation Round Up board meetings are held in March, June, September, and December.

  • Completed applications will be reviewed by the volunteer Operation Round Up board, and funding decisions will be made based on project needs and availability of funds.

  • Individual and emergency funding applications may be requested by calling Sarah Rhea at 701-356-4437 or emailing srhea@kwh.com.

Contact Cass County Electric's member service department at 701-356-4400 or fill out a form here.

The geographic area is defined as Cass County Electric Cooperative, Inc. service area, including all or part of Cass, Barnes, Traill, Richland, Ransom, Sargent, Dickey, LaMoure, Steele, and Stutsman counties of North Dakota.

The volunteer board is made up of 7 members- one member from district 1, one member from district 2, one member from district 3, three members from district 4, and one member at large. They meet quarterly to review applications and distribute funds.

Qualifications for board members—at least 18 years of age, a permanent resident of the county they are applying for, good moral character, and a member of Cass County Electric Cooperative.

If you are interested in joining our board, please fill out this application and return it to srhea@kwh.com.

GRANT GUIDELINES

Individual/Family and emergency applications – primary residence address must be within the geographic area served by Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit organizations – providing services or programs to residents and communities within the geographic area served by Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc.

The request should fit in one or more of these categories:

  • Individual/family with an emphasis on health care, self-sufficiency.

  • Nonprofit organizations (community, civic, educational) that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the area.

  • Nonprofit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) or public charitable status.

  • The organization's services must be non-discriminatory.

  • Community service programs/projects emphasize the overall quality of life, public safety, health care, and general welfare.

  • Education and youth programs with an emphasis on leadership/math/science/arts, training opportunities, reading programs, promotion of wellness/well-being, and combating critical social problems.

  • Expenses related to a specific program, project, or equipment needs with predictable results and can be evaluated.

  • Grant dollars will be distributed primarily in the local area served by the Cooperative and adjacent regions. Organizations that provide programs and benefits to people who live in this geographic area are eligible for funding consideration, even though the organization is located elsewhere.

  • Funding can not be used for on-going operational expenses such as internal payroll expenses (wages, insurances, taxes), building rent, utility bills, etc.

  • Maximum grant: $10,000

Emergency assistance with emphasis on food, clothing, shelter, and medical needs:

  • Maximum grant: $1,000

Individual/family:

  • Specific use of funds

  • Other forms of assistance or aid requested, whether received or denied

  • References

  • Financial need/condition

  • Maximum grant: $2,500-$10,000 depending on the number of individuals in the household

  • A cover letter summarizing the purpose of the request, impact of activities, and brief organization information (limited to two (2) pages)

  • Completed application form (all sections of the application form must be completed) Note: applications received with attached sheets in lieu of completing any section will not be accepted

  • Submit a copy of the IRS tax-exempt letter, if appropriate

  • Additional information (limited to 2 pages)

  • Each application will be considered quarterly. Board meetings are held in March, June, September, and December. Funds are disbursed a few days after the meetings are held. (A check will be mailed) Emergency assistance applications for individuals will be processed as received.

  • Applicants can apply once every 12 months.