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

$ 4798066

DOLLARS DONATED

1265

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED

$ 233148

GIVING IN 2023

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
  • Terry Sandstrom
  • 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 or Kara Mudford at Crow Wing Power, 218-829-2827 or 1-800-648-9401, for any questions related to applying for the 2024 Impact Grant.

Print/Fillable Application

Learn about the 2023 Impact Grant Winner