Operation Round Up

Local organizations can benefit from the generosity of REMC members who participate in Operation Round Up and allow their electric bill to be rounded up to the next dollar each month. The extra change is collected in the Operation Round Up fund and distributed to local groups and organizations in the form of grants.

Mission Statement

The mission of DMREMC Charitable Trust, Inc. is the accumulation and disbursement of funds for charitable purposes in Daviess, Martin and Lawrence counties.

This shall be accomplished by disbursement of funds to groups or organizations for food, shelter, clothing, health needs and education. Annual disbursements are limited to $10,000 per group or organization.

What is Operation Round Up?

It is an ongoing charitable fundraising program to benefit worthwhile community projects. REMC members who round up their electric bill to an even dollar amount donate those funds. Many rural electric cooperatives across the country have implemented the program which was originated by Palmetto Electric Cooperative in South Carolina.
How does the program work?

Each month, members who wish to participate will allow Daviess-Martin County REMC to automatically round up electric bills to the next highest dollar amount. For example, if your bill is $68.51, your bill will be rounded up to $69, meaning that month’s contribution is 49 cents. If your bill is $68.90, your bill will be rounded up to $69, contributing 10 cents. The extra cents will be put into the DMREMC Charitable Trust, Inc. The cost to you will be 99 cents or less per month and will average about $6.00 a year per member. Individually it doesn’t sound like much, but collectively it adds up in a hurry.
Where and how will the funds be distributed?

Any group or organization in the REMC’s service area is eligible to apply for a grant from the community fund. However, funds will not be used to pay utility bills or go towards political campaigns.
When are grant applications due and reviewed?

Grant application times are due on the last working day of the following months: February, May, August and November. Quarterly meetings for review of applications are held in March, June, September and December.
How will we know where the funds go?

A list of the funds given out will be featured periodically in the Indiana Connection. Until the funds are distributed, they will be placed in a separate account called Daviess-Martin REMC Community Fund, Inc.
Who will administer the fund?

A nine-member volunteer board of directors from the Daviess-Martin County REMC geographic area will review the applications and make grant recommendations.
What is the role of the Operation Round Up Board of Directors?

Separate from the Daviess-Martin County REMC board of directors, this non-paid board will evaluate applications made to the program and make recommendations for issuing of grants. The board will have a set of bylaws by which to operate.
If I have several accounts, will each one be rounded up?

Any participation from our members is appreciated. However, if you’d like only one of your accounts rounded up, just let us know.
What if I can’t or don’t want to participate in this program?

Anyone can opt-in or opt-out from Operation Round Up at any time by contacting the Daviess-Martin County REMC office. You can also find forms here to opt-in (link is external)or opt-out(link is external) of the program. Members may receive a refund for up to one year’s contributions.
Are donations to Operation Round Up tax exempt?

Yes! Operation Round Up donations are tax-exempt, and Daviess-Martin County REMC notifies each member on the January billing the total contributions for the preceding year.
Will Operation Round Up funds be used to pay any type of utility bills?

No. The funds will not be used to pay any utility bills. Nor will funds be used for political contributions.
Are the funds available to groups or organizations that are not served by Daviess-Martin County REMC?

Yes! Those eligible to apply for the funds include groups or organizations located within the communities of Daviess, Martin and Lawrence counties. Applicants need not be members of Daviess-Martin County REMC. For the most part the funds will be provided to meet the needs of applications that are not being met through other sources. The maximum amount available to any group or organization in any one year is $10,000.
What are some possible uses for the fund?

Examples of grants would be for fire department equipment, EMS, youth and school groups, youth camps, foundations, senior citizen groups, and other various community programs and projects.
Is this program legal?

Yes! Our attorney has reviewed the By-Laws of the Operation Round Up program and has filed all of the documentation to implement the program.
Why is the rural electric company involved in a charitable organization?

One of the cooperative principals is Concern for Communities. We feel a strong responsibility to the people in our service territory communities that goes beyond simply providing reliable, economical power.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Operation Round Up is that it is an extension of the concept of neighbor helping neighbor that built our electric cooperative. Just as our forefathers joined together to build their own electric systems when private power companies refused to serve rural areas, Operation Round Up helps co-op members reach out to worthy causes in their communities and work together to help others.

Operation Round Up Board Members

The Operation Round Up board meets quarterly in March, June, September and December.

Tom Boyd
Mark Bault
Tony Earl
Dan Gregory
Peggy Lyon
Joelle Rose
Carolyn Woodruff
Theresa Showalter
Rachel Sutton

Apply for a Grant

The Operation Round Up board meets quarterly in March, June, September and December. Applications are due by the last working day of the month prior to the board meeting date.

If your group or organization would benefit from an Operation Round Up grant, click on the link below to download the application, save it to your computer, complete it and return it to Daviess-Martin County REMC, following the instructions on the first page of the application.

Download an application (pdf)

Download an application (Word)

Participation in the Program

2023 Grant Recipients

Below are a few examples of organizations that have received an Operation Round Up grant in so far in 2023.

Martin County Chamber of Commerce

The Martin County Chamber of Commerce received at $1,000 grant to help cover the cost of the meal for their annual dinner. Martin County Chamber of Commerce promotes and encourages people to shop local and promote local businesses.
Loogootee High School Post Prom

The Loogootee High School Post Prom was awarded a $500 grant to cover the costs of hosting post prom. The event takes place after Loogootee’s prom and promotes safe, substance free activities to high school students.
Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services

The Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services received a $1,000 grant to purchase peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line for patients needing infusions.
Cannelburg Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

The Cannelburg Volunteer Fire Department received a $2,000 grant to replace their two large furnace heaters which are nearing 30 years old.
Southwest Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross

The Southwest Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross was awarded a $1,000 grant as partial funding for one year of their Home Fire Relief program in Daviess and Martin counties. This sum will be used for direct financial assistance, case work and recovery planning for victims of home fires.
Martin County Cancer Patient Services

The new Martin County Cancer Patient Services was awarded a $2,000 grant. As a new organization the funds will be used for assistance with medical equipment, grocery’s, gas and more for Martin County residence who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Odon Fire Department

The Odon Fire Department/ Community Fire and Rescue received a $1,000 grant to aid in the purchase of a new Rescue Truck.
Community Foundation Partnership, Inc.

The Community Foundation Partnership was awarded a $1,000 grant to purchase supplies that will be used in the Leave a Legacy campaign to share the stories of those involved in awarded grants in Lawrence and Martin Counties.
Borrowed Hearts Daviess County

Borrowed Hearts Daviess County Inc. received a $1,000 grant to be used in the purchase supplies needed for foster families along with new office equipment.
Martin County Fire/Rescue

The Martin County Fire/Rescue (Civil Defense) was awarded a $1,000 grant to provide training for tornado recovery efforts for a county wide disaster response group.
Loogootee Pickleball

Loogootee Pickleball received a $1,000 grant to be used in the efforts of building four new pickleball courts.
Knights of Columbus Council 1166

Knights of Columbus Council 1166 of Bedford received a $1,000 grant to aid in efforts made by the 46^th Annual Tootsie Roll Drive. The focus of the 2023 drive is to raise funds to provide the Lawrence County Independent Schools with tools and resources needed to support students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Friends of Waggoner’s Chapel, Inc.

Friends of Waggoner’s Chapel was awarded a $500 grant to be used towards the restoration of the historic Waggoner’s Chapel in Lost River.
Loogootee Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary

The Loogootee Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was awarded a $1,000 grant to buy new radios for all Loogootee Volunteer Firefighters.

2022 Grant Recipients

Below are a few examples of organizations that received an Operation Round Up grant in 2022.

Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services

Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services received a $1,050 grant to buy specially designed shirts for cancer patients.
Shoals Shop

The Shoals Shop received a $5,000 grant to aid in the completion of building a 40 x 40 barn and large animal fencing to provide a loft for hay and supplies along with a large open floor plan for animal pens and a birthing area.
Martin County Christmas Toy Store

Martin County Christmas Store received a grant for $1,500 to assist in purchasing toys and other items for this year’s Christmas store.
Youth First

Youth First, Inc. received a $1,000 grant to assist in paying for the Youth First program in Loogootee Schools.
Stone City Alliance for Recovery and Hop, Inc.

The Stone City Alliance for Recovery and Hope, Inc. received a $1,000 grant for the purchase of new bedding for the Men’s Warming Shelter.
Comforting Hearts

Comforting Hearts All-inclusive Playground received a grant for $1,000 to aid in the purchase of a therapeutic and fun Cozy Dome Sensory play piece of all-inclusive playground equipment.
First Choice Solutions

First Choice Solutions of Washington received a $1,500 grant to provide clients with needed items like bottles, highchairs, diapers, baby wipes, and many other items that are essential for parents to care for their baby.
Redemption Christian Church

Redemption Christian Church of Loogootee received a grant for $1,500 to be used toward the Backpack Blessings food program.
Odon Winkelpleck Public Library

Odon Winkelpleck Public Library received a $3,000 grant to aid in the funding of new hardware and software to provide mobile printing options to the community.
RSVP Volunteer Center

RSVP Volunteer Center received a $1,170 grant to fund the “Little Elves Workshop” for children enrolled in PACE Headstart in Washington and Odon. The project is an early financial literacy program which teaches the concept of earning, saving and spending. Students earn Santa Bucks by completing good work at school and can use that money to purchase items in the RSVP store as holiday gifts.
New Beginnings Saturday Lunch Program

New Beginnings Saturday Lunch Program received a $1,000 grant to aid in buying supplies for Saturday lunches. Each Saturday a group of volunteers assembles and delivers around 360 lunches to children in Martin County. Their goal is to fill the gap between Friday free lunch at school until they return to school on Monday mornings.
North Daviess Music

North Daviess Music Boosters received a $500 grant to purchase headset microphones and batteries along with other musical supplies for music programs that the music department may need.