Operation Round-Up®: First Quarter Impact & The 2025 Community Trust Impact Grant
At Crow Wing Power, we believe in the power of community and the impact we can make together. Through Operation Round-Up®, our members contribute small amounts that lead to big changes—and this year, that generosity is reaching even further.
Introducing the 2025 Crow Wing Power Community Trust Impact Grant
Each year, the Crow Wing Power Community Trust offers an Impact Grant, designed to provide substantial funding for a unique project, program, or community initiative. In 2025, we are increasing this grant from $12,000 to $20,000 to make an even greater difference.
Eligible organizations were invited to apply by January 1, 2025, and at the first-quarter Trustee meeting, three outstanding finalists were selected. These finalists will present their proposals in April, where one organization will be awarded the full $20,000 grant to support a transformative initiative.
This enhanced grant opportunity is only possible because of the generosity of our members who choose to round up their electric bills each month. Their spare change helps fund vital programs and initiatives across our community.
First Quarter Giving: Supporting Local Food Shelves
While the Impact Grant is a major focus, quarterly grants continue to support a wide range of local needs. This quarter, $54,700 was awarded to community organizations, with $37,000 directed to local food shelves.
“We call our January meeting ‘Food Shelf Month’ because we know how critical this funding is for food shelves to continue serving our communities. These funds are distributed in March to align with the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which provides matching funds—stretching every dollar even further,”
— Jenna Anderson, Public Relations Manager & Community Trust Liaison
Member-Powered Giving: A Collective Impact
The Operation Round-Up® program is managed by Crow Wing Power, but the funding comes directly from our members who choose to round up their bills each month. In 2024 alone, $226,000 was distributed to community programs, with 36,229 of our 40,000+ members participating. Since its inception, the program has been marching toward an incredible milestone—nearly $5 million given back to the communities we serve.
This program is a testament to the cooperative spirit—when many people give a little, it creates a huge impact. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our members for their generosity and commitment to making our communities stronger.
Get Involved
If you're already rounding up your bill—thank you! If not, consider joining the Operation Round-Up® program today and help make a difference in our local communities. Every cent counts, and together, we’re building a brighter future.
For more information about the Impact Grant, quarterly grants, and how your contributions are making a difference, visit Operation Round-Up®.