Operation Round Up® is a simple, voluntary way for cooperative members to support programs and projects in our communities. Created in 1989 by Palmetto Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, the program has since been adopted by hundreds of electric cooperatives nationwide. The idea is straightforward. When we work together, our spare change can make a meaningful difference in our communities.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• Participating members’ electric bills are rounded up to the next highest dollar, and those cents are placed into a trust account for ORU.
• About 75% of our members currently participate.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?

• The average annual contribution is just $5.89, with a maximum contribution of $11.88 per year.

• Contributions are tax-deductible, and the amount donated is shown on monthly bills.

WHO DECIDES WHERE FUNDS GO?

• ORU funds are administered by a volunteer Trust Board made up of five BEC members. They meet semiannually to review grant applications and award funds.
• Trust board members include Sharon Hadrava (Laporte), Jean Diffley (Bemidji), Kay Mack (Bemidji), Marne Waldo (Kelliher), and Miriam Osborn-Dougherty (Blackduck).

WHO CAN APPLY?

• Nonprofit, civic or community-based organizations can seek funding for a project or program in the following categories: Community Service, Economic Development, Education and/or Youth, and Environment.

OUR LOCAL IMPACT

• Since BEC launched ORU in 2016, more than $813,400 has been awarded to support over 640 community projects. Your small change has made a HUGE impact!

HOW DOES A QUALIFYING ORGANIZATION APPLY?
ORU applications can be found on BEC’s website: beltramielectric.com/operation-roundup