Small Change Saves Lives!
Have you heard about Operation Round Up? Participating in this program can greatly benefit our communities! Every time you pay your electricity bill, you are making a positive impact on those in your COMMUNITY.
- On average, each member's donation equals approximately 50 cents monthly or $6 per year.
- All contributions qualify for tax deductions since Operation Round Up is an acknowledged 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- Your monthly donations will be itemized on your bill for transparency.
- If desired, you can choose to donate beyond the rounded-up sum.
- You can choose to withdraw from participation at any time.
- Every Operation Round Up fund project is directed towards benefiting the local community and stays local.
In 2001, Nobles Cooperative Electric initiated "Operation Round Up" to provide financial assistance to beneficial projects in the cooperative's service area. This program allows members to donate spare change from their electric bills to support community initiatives.
The majority of our members round up their bills to the nearest dollar every month, contributing an average of 50 cents monthly, with a maximum of $6 per year per participant. This combined contribution aids various local causes such as charities, scholarships, and emergency services within our service territory. As a new member, you are automatically enrolled in Operation Round Up. You may opt out of this program by calling our office at 800-776-0517.
Over $573,363 has been distributed to local organizations to date.
How it Works
The Nobles-Murray Rural Electric Trust receive funding from Operation Round Up® voluntary contributions by Nobles Cooperative Electric members and other available sources, including unclaimed capital credits. The contributions from Operation Round Up primarily support charitable and educational initiatives in the local cooperative area, including emergency energy assistance. Unclaimed capital credits will mainly contribute to school scholarship funds and other educational endeavors.
While there are numerous valuable charitable projects and community needs in our local area, the limited funds necessitate the establishment of priority funding categories, with annual budget allocation ranges for each category.
Our Geographical Emphasis
Our primary aim is to benefit the Cooperative's service area and neighboring regions. However, organizations providing services to residents in our geographic area are eligible for funding consideration, even if they are not based there.
Categories
This category is to support programs and organizations that are vital for improving the quality of life in communities, with a focus on areas such as public safety, healthcare, self-sufficiency, and fulfilling basic human needs. We also look at programs that enhance the cultural richness of local communities.
We explore initiatives that support community leadership programs focused on empowering individuals to achieve self-reliance and address local economic and social issues.
- Providing school scholarships and other programs, giving preference to Nobles Cooperative Electric member households and cooperative educational programs.
- Supporting programs combating critical social issues affecting children and youth, particularly those at risk.
- Encouraging wellness and youth engagement in sports and physical fitness activities.
- Unclaimed capital credits eligible for distribution to a tax-exempt organization under Minnesota Statutes Section 308A.711 will be allocated under this funding category.
In this category, we are looking at programs and projects that support community recycling and natural resource preservation as well as community-based environmental quality education initiatives and environmentally conscious agricultural research programs.
Initiatives providing disaster relief such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, cleanup, repairs, and reconstruction after accidents, severe storms, or other emergencies.
- Generally, contributions are limited to non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
- Contributions are typically not provided to lobbying, political, or religious organizations, veteran, fraternal, or labor groups, fundraising events, individuals (excluding scholarships and disaster relief), capital campaigns, national fund drives, or advertising.
Volunteers from the community serve as directors on the Nobles-Murray Rural Electric Trust Board, which meets twice a year to review applications and select recipients for the funds. Application deadlines are scheduled for March 1 and September 1.
Helpful Hints
The Operation Round Up board is responsible for reviewing applications and determining funding. Some organizations were not funded because their requests were classified as capital expenditures. Here is a list of some of the projects that did not get funding in the past:
Capital Fund Campaigns:
- Replacing shingles
- Sewer dump station
- Expanding dining hall
- Handicap-accessible bleachers
- Increasing amps at campsites
- Commemorative statue
- Remodeling a baseball field
- Funds for a generator
- Concession stand
- Park shelter
- Safety fence
- Building bunk beds
- New ambulance
- Water fountains
- Kitchen remodel
- Ultrasound machine
Other reasons:
- Religious organization
- Advertising expense
- Event expense
- Project not located in Nobles Cooperative Electric's service territory
DEADLINES
Operation Round Up distributes funds twice yearly. Submit your application by March 1st or September 1st to be considered.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
To complete the application form, please have the following items ready. This will ensure a smoother and faster process:
✅ Financial Documentation
Upload a PDF or image of your organization’s most recent financial statement (typically from the previous year).
✅ Reference Details
You’ll need the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references who can speak to your organization’s work and reputation.
Having these items on hand before you start will help you complete the form in one sitting.