Operation Round Up®
Small change that changes lives

Established in 1993, the Operation Round Up program allows PPCS members to help those less fortunate in our communities.

Funding for Operation Round Up is provided by PPCS members who round up their monthly energy bills to the next dollar. For example, if your energy bill is $81.60, it will automatically be rounded up to $82, with the additional 40 cents going to the Operation Round Up fund. Your Operation Round Up donation appears as a separate line item on your monthly energy bill. Operation Round Up is administered by PPCS' charitable foundation, Pierce Pepin Cares.  

On average, this amounts to about 50 cents each month, or $6 annually, for each participating member.  With this pool of money, we support worthy causes within the communities throughout our service area.  Since 1993, PPCS members have donated over $480,000 to local organizations.

Operation Round Up funds are distributed to organizations (primarily non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status), that 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 public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, basic human needs, education, cultural environment enhancements, and combating economic and social problems.

The Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors awards Operation Round Up grants within the communities served by the cooperative. 

“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

A total of $28,500 was awarded to local organizations in 2020.  Review the list of grants here.

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 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 Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors. Applications must be received by: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.

round up logo

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 is administered by PPCS' charitable foundation, Pierce Pepin Cares.  

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 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 
  • Capital fund campaigns
  • National fund drives
  • Advertising
  • PPCS for unpaid charges, including energy bills

Organizations who wish to apply for a grant must submit a completed application by the specified deadline. Operation Round Up instructions and application are available online, or contact the cooperative office.

No. You don't have to be a member of PPCS to apply for a grant. Grants may be made to organizations 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 $81.20, it will automatically be rounded up to $82, with the additional 80 cents going to the Operation Round Up fund. The average donation is 50 cents each month, or $6 annually. Your Operation Round Up donation appears as a separate line item on your monthly energy bill.

No. Participation is strictly voluntary. PPCS members can opt out at any time by contacting us.

The Operation Round Up program is administered by PPCS' charitable foundation, Pierce Pepin Cares.  The Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors administers the program according to guidelines set forth under Board Policy 1.30 and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the cooperative.

Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares 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.