Operation Round Up®
Small change that changes lives
Operation Round Up is a community service program through which PPCS is able to help those less fortunate in our communities.
Funding for Operation Round Up is provided by members of PPCS who volunteer to round up their monthly energy bills to the next dollar. For example, if your energy bill is $41.20, it will automatically be rounded up to $42, with the additional 80 cents going to the Operation Round Up fund. Your Operation Round Up donation appears as a separate line item on your monthly energy bill.
On average, this amounts to about 50 cents each month, or $6 annually, for each participating member. With this pool of money, we are able to support worthy causes within the communities throughout our service area.
Operation Round Up funds are distributed to organizations (primarily non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status), that will benefit individuals and families within the communities served by PPCS. Grants will be awarded to support programs and projects that enhance the quality of life within our communities. Examples include emergency assistance (fires or natural disasters), public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, basic human needs, education, cultural environment enhancements, and combating economic and social problems.
The PPCS Board of Directors awards Operation Round Up grants within the communities served by the cooperative. All are made possible through contributions to the program by participating PPCS electric members.
“The generosity of our members allows us to offer support to those less fortunate, which is a true testament to their concern for their communities,” says Nate Boettcher, president and CEO.
Grants awarded in 2020
Grants are awarded at the January board meeting:
|
Organization |
Description |
Amount |
|
Our Neighbor's Place |
Food and gas card purchases for community members in need. |
$1,500 |
|
Basics for Local Kids |
Winter clothing for local children in need. |
$1,500 |
Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties |
Program support. | $1,500 |
|
Pierce County Veteran |
Assistance with purchase of a van to use for the Transportation Program |
$1,500 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$6,000 |
Grants awarded in 2019
List of 2019 Operation Round Up donations.
Participation in Operation Round Up is voluntary
Operation Round Up is a voluntary program. If you do not wish to participate, you can opt out at anytime by contacting us.
Applying for a grant
Organizations, Individuals and families who wish to apply for a grant are invited to submit an application. Operation Round Up instructions and applications are available online for your convenience.
Applications are reviewed quarterly by the PPCS Board of Directors. Applications must be received by: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Operation Round Up is a community service program adopted by the PPCS Board of Directors on September 2, 1993, to help provide opportunities for long-range enhancement of the quality of life within our communities. Funding for Operation Round Up is provided by members of PPCS who volunteer to round up their monthly energy bills to the next dollar.
Operation Round Up funds are distributed to organizations (primarily non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status), that will benefit individuals and families within the communities served by PPCS. Grants will be awarded to support programs and projects that enhance the quality of life within our communities. Examples include emergency assistance (fires or natural disasters), public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, basic human needs, education, cultural environment enhancements, and combating economic and social problems.
Grants will not be awarded to benefit:
- Lobbying, political and religious organizations
- Veteran and fraternal organizations
- Fund-raising dinners, raffles and other events
- Individuals/families (other than emergency)
- Capital fund campaigns
- National fund drives
- Advertising
- PPCS for unpaid charges, including energy bills
No. You don't have to be a member of PPCS to apply for assistance. Grants may be made to organizations, individuals and families within the communities served by PPCS. Grants will generally be awarded to non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status under IRS Code 501(c)(3).
PPCS will "round up" your monthly energy bill to the nearest dollar. For example, if your energy bill is $41.20, it will automatically be rounded up to $42, with the additional 80 cents going to the Operation Round Up fund. Your Operation Round Up donation appears as a separate line item on your monthly energy bill.
The average donation is 50 cents each month, or $6 annually.
No. Participation is strictly voluntary. PPCS members can opt out at anytime by contacting us.
The PPCS Board of Directors is responsible for administering the Operation Round Up program according to Guidelines set forth under Board Policy 1.30 and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the cooperative.
Organizations, individuals and families who wish to apply for a grant must submit a completed application by the specified deadline. Operation Round Up instructions and applications are available online, or contact the cooperative office.
Applications are reviewed quarterly by the PPCS Board of Directors. Applications must be received by: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.
No. PPCS is not a charitable organization exempt under I.R.C. section 501(c)(3), so “round up” donations are not tax deductible.