KCCF Operation Round-Up Grant

The Kosciusko REMC Operation Round Up Grant is administered by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in collaboration with Kosciusko REMC. The fund is supported by voluntary contributions from REMC customers who round up their utility bills to the nearest dollar, with the excess cents pooled into a charitable fund. The Operation Round Up program aims to strengthen the local communities served by Kosciusko REMC by providing grants to nonprofit and community-based organizations addressing a wide range of public needs. The fund emphasizes local impact and seeks to improve the lives of residents through strategic, targeted funding. The grants awarded through this program are designed to support charitable activities that directly benefit individuals and families within the Kosciusko REMC service area. Funding priorities include programs serving low-income households, seniors, and those providing mental health services or safety-related initiatives. Additionally, programs that support youth development through education or mentoring and initiatives that promote local agriculture, including 4-H and FFA chapters, are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals that cover program delivery costs are favored, whereas requests for general operational expenses such as office equipment or software, or capital campaign contributions, are considered lower priority. Applications requesting reimbursement for previously incurred expenses or from organizations with small or overly interrelated boards may also receive less favorable consideration. Applicants must be charitable organizations serving residents within the Kosciusko REMC service area and must hold appropriate nonprofit status. Religious institutions may apply, but not for activities solely promoting religious purposes. The program does not fund individuals, political activities, or utility bills. First-time applicants or those who have not applied in the past two years are required to contact the Community Foundation's Vice President of Programs, Alex Hall, to discuss their proposal prior to submitting a formal application. Additionally, all applicants must submit a Pre-Grant Inquiry by the 15th of the month prior to the grant application deadline. Grants are offered quarterly, with application deadlines falling on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. The Pre-Grant Inquiry must be submitted by January 15, April 15, July 15, or October 15 respectively. The review process takes approximately six weeks post-deadline. During the first three weeks, staff review applications for completeness and eligibility and may contact applicants for clarifications. In weeks four and five, the Operation Round Up Committee evaluates applications and makes recommendations. Applicants are notified of decisions by the sixth week, and successful applicants receive grant agreements via the online portal. Grant awards average approximately $2,500, with a maximum of $5,000 per grant. Awards below this average may be issued to first-time applicants or those submitting lower-priority requests. Funding is issued upfront for grants approved after July 2025. Organizations with operating budgets above $100,000 must submit a balance sheet and income statement for the most recent fiscal quarter, and their latest IRS Form 990 is requested, though not required. Government entities such as public schools are exempt from financial document requirements. All applicants are required to upload an Authorization Signature Form and provide lists of board and staff members along with their cities of residence. Post-award, grantees must complete a Grant Agreement within 60 days of approval and submit a Final Report one year later. This report includes narrative and financial documentation to confirm that funds were spent as agreed. The grant program represents a significant opportunity for nonprofits in Kosciusko County to secure support for programs directly benefiting their communities.

Support programs with community impact and avoid low-priority items like office furniture or past expenses.