Operation Round Up Trust Grant

The Operation Round Up Trust Grant is administered by Noble REMC, a rural electric membership cooperative serving communities in Indiana, particularly within Noble and DeKalb counties. The program is funded through voluntary contributions from cooperative members who elect to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. These incremental contributions are pooled into a dedicated trust fund managed in partnership with the Noble County Community Foundation, which is responsible for distributing funds and maintaining financial oversight. Over its multi-decade history, the program has contributed significant financial support to local initiatives, reflecting a strong emphasis on community-driven philanthropy and localized impact. The primary purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance to nonprofit and community-based organizations that deliver services or implement projects benefiting residents within the cooperative’s service territory. Eligible applicants include organizations with federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3), as well as educational institutions and municipal entities. The program is designed to support a wide range of community needs, including social services, education, infrastructure improvements, and other initiatives that enhance quality of life at the local level. Funding through this program is relatively modest but impactful, with individual grant awards capped at a maximum of 5000 dollars per project. Applicants are required to clearly articulate the intended use of funds, including specific project goals, outcomes, and a detailed description of how the requested amount will be allocated. Supporting documentation such as cost estimates or vendor quotes may be required to substantiate the funding request. The program does not explicitly require cost sharing or matching funds, making it accessible to smaller organizations with limited financial resources. The application process requires submission of a completed application form accompanied by a one-page cover letter. This cover letter must outline the funding request amount, describe the project or service, and provide a brief overview of the organization’s mission. Additional required components include organizational contact information, proof of tax-exempt status or institutional eligibility, a federal employer identification number, a list of board members or trustees, references, and financial records. Applicants must also disclose other funding sources and any prior grants received from the program within the past two years. Applications are reviewed by a volunteer board composed of cooperative members and employees. This board evaluates submissions based on the completeness of the application, demonstrated community benefit, financial need, and organizational capacity. While specific scoring criteria are not publicly detailed, the requirement for financial documentation and references indicates an emphasis on accountability and credibility. Selected recipients are required to submit a final report upon project completion detailing how the funds were used and the outcomes achieved. The grant program operates on a recurring quarterly funding cycle, with applications accepted on a rolling annual basis but reviewed periodically. For the current cycle, applications are accepted until October 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit only one application per year due to high demand, and repeat applications within a short timeframe may be deprioritized. Submission can be completed via mail or email, with options to download the application form or request a physical copy. Contact support is available through the program’s designated email address and phone number, providing applicants with assistance throughout the process.

Ensure all required documentation is complete including financial records and EIN verification; clearly describe project impact and use of funds; apply only once per year due to demand