Operation Round-Up® is a charitable giving program designed to provide financial assistance to local non-profit organizations and community programs. In essence, it's people helping people.
YOUR SMALL CHANGE ADDS UP
More than eighty-six percent of Crow Wing Power members participate in Operation Round-Up® by allowing the Cooperative to round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar.
Operation Round-Up® is a charitable giving program, unique to electric cooperatives, that is designed to provide financial donations to worthwhile community programs. Since the program’s inception in 1996, Operation Round-Up® and Crow Wing Power members have awarded over $4 million to local non-profit organizations and community service programs.
The rounded-up funds (an average of 50¢/month) are placed in a fund that is administered by an independent trust board made up of Cooperative members. Operation Round-Up® funds are given to local civic organizations and worthy causes through an application and selection process.
OPERATION ROUND-UP® MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
$
4862066
DOLLARS DONATED
1265
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED
$
226000
GIVEN IN 2024
36229
MEMBERS PARTICIPATING
Operation Round-Up® contributions are generally made to 501(c)3 organizations whose activities benefit members of the Crow Wing Power service area in the following categories:
Initiatives we will support include, but are not limited to:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Youth & Senior Education
- Crisis Emergency Relief
- High School Scholarships (Three $1,000 random draw scholarships)
Trust Funding Policy and Guidelines
* Typical contributions are between $500 — $3000.
Operation Round-Up® funding is distributed quarterly, and the application deadlines for each round are as follows:
- January 1
- April 1
- July 1
- October 1
To apply for funding please complete the application below.
Complete the Online Form Download and Mail Printable Form
The Operation Round-Up® program is operated by the Crow Wing Power Community Trust, a separate non-profit organization run by nine Crow Wing Power members who act as trustees. Trustees review applications quarterly and determine funding allocations and distribution.
Current trustees include:
- Karleen Nelson-Richards
- Todd Malecha
- Cassie Roberts
- Joan Johnson
- Kathleen Stephan
- Jackson Purfeerst
- Matt Kilian
- Steve Uban
- Teri Hoggarth
Trustees on the Operation Round-Up® Trust Board serve a maximum of 6 years.
View a list of organizations that recently received funding from the Operation Round-Up® program.
Crow Wing Power members are automatically enrolled in the Operation Round-Up® program when they sign up for electric service. Program details are included in the New Member Packet.
Member’s average contribution is 50 cents per month, or $6.00 a year.
To opt-out of the program, members need to notify Crow Wing Power by completing the Opt Out Form or calling (218) 829-2827.
Introducing the 2025 Crow Wing Power Community Trust Impact Grant
This year, Crow Wing Power Community Trust (Operation Round-Up®) is excited to offer an enhanced Impact Grant of up to $20,000—an increase from previous years’ $12,000. We invite eligible organizations to apply by January 1, 2025, for consideration at the January Trustee meeting. The top 3-4 applicants will be selected to present their proposals in a 15-minute presentation to the Trustees in April.
The Impact Grant is designed to provide substantial support for a unique project, program, or community initiative that needs an extra boost to succeed. Applicants should demonstrate how this one-time grant would have a meaningful impact on their efforts, and organizations should have a history of positive outcomes.
This grant opportunity is made possible by the generosity of Crow Wing Power members who participate in Operation Round-Up®, rounding up their electric bills to the nearest dollar. These small contributions make a big difference, helping fund impactful programs across the community.
Please contact Jenna Anderson at Crow Wing Power, 218-829-2827 or 1-800-648-9401, for any questions related to applying for the 2025 Impact Grant.
Learn about the 2024grant recipient
