Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program has awarded more than $1,000,000 in community grants, since the start of the program in 1998 through 2022.
“Congratulations and thank you, co-op members, for rounding up your monthly bill! Your generosity has made a significant difference in our community,” said Polk-Burnett General Manager Steve Stroshane. “We’re so proud of this milestone because commitment to community is a cooperative principle we’ve lived by since the co-op was established in 1938! We strive to be a catalyst for good.”
Over the past 24 years, Operation Round Up has supported local police and fire departments, fed local families, built community parks and donated to schools and libraries. With the help of our members, we’ve given $1,057,522 since Operation Round Up was started by the co-op’s board in 1998.
Operation Round Up board directors are Clarice Johnson, Star Prairie; Gretchen Sampson, Osceola; Gary Ganje, Clear Lake; Marlyn Bottolfson, Amery; Herschel Brown, Frederic; Elvira Schmidt, Frederic; JoAnn Kipping, Spooner; Alma Karels, Frederic; and Ed Peterson, Webster. We also recognize founding director Merle Bergren, Amery, who served from 1998 until his death in 2022.
Finding for Operation Round Up program is donated by members of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative who round their monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. Grant recipients are selected quarterly by a board of Polk-Burnett Electric Co-op members, with financial donations awarded to nonprofit organizations that improve our local quality of life.
“Operation Round Up proves that small donations over time can collectively make a big impact,” said Joan O’Fallon, Polk-Burnett’s communication director. “The holidays season is the perfect time spread this good news and let people know that our community cares.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for an Operation Round Up grant are invited to apply on our website. The next application deadline is March 1, 2023.
Pictured above: Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round Up program purchased backpacks to support Luck Elementary School’s reading program. See all 2022 grant winners and learn how your nonprofit can apply.
