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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.

Libby Graber
Mark Bault
Tony Earl
Dan Gregory
Dean Lyon
Peggy Reitman
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. 

 

2024 Grant Recipients

Below are a few examples of organizations that have received an Operation Round Up grant so far in 2024.

  • First Choice Solutions

    First Choice Solutions received a $584 dollar grant to purchase new storage containers and baby wipes. The totes will be used to store extra baby and maternity clothes. Clothing and wipes are a few of the items First Choice Solutions supplies to new and expecting parents.

  • WC High School Post Prom

    Washington Catholic High School Post Prom received a $500 grant to cover the cost of competition and raffle prizes at their post prom being held at Champion Lanes.

  • Loogootee West Main St. Church

    The Loogootee West Main St. Church was awarded a $500 grant to purchase more shelving for their food pantry which serves about 279 families from Martin County each month.

  • WC Schools Archery Teams

    The Washington Catholic Schools Archery Team was presented with a $500 grant to fund competition fees, equipment such as bows and arrows, and team t-shirts for the middle/high school team.

  • Odon Winkelpleck Public Library

    The Odon Winkelpleck Public Library received a $1,000 grant to cover the cost of the 6-week summer reading program the library is hosting.  The funds will be used to purchase books, prizes, crafts and items for outdoor activities for all participants.

  • Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services

    The Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services was awarded a $800 grant for the purchase of “companion chairs,” a type of wheelchair that is lighter and easier to use than standard wheelchairs.

  • Washington High School Post Prom, Inc.

    Washington High School Post Prom, Inc. received a $500 grant to help cover the cost of providing a fun, memorable, drug and alcohol free, safe atmosphere for teens after prom.
  • Bethany Christian Church

    The Bethany Christian Church received a grant for $1,500 to help cover costs associated with the “Night to Shine” prom. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom experience for people with special needs.

  • Knights of Columbus Council 1166

    The Knights of Columbus Council 1166 was awarded a $1,000 grant to be put towards the 47th Annual Tootsie Roll Drive. One focus area for the 2024 Tootsie Roll Drive is to provide Springville Community Academy with the resources needed to implement a Life Skills Cooking Class and Coffee Cart. Tailored for students in grades 4-8, this project will provide a unique hands-on learning experience that will blend practical culinary skills with entrepreneurship.

  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

    Washington Catholic Schools received a $1,000 grant to help cover the start-up costs of The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through this program, children will be mailed a book every month from birth to age 5, at no cost to the family.

  • RSVP of Daviess County, Indiana, Inc.

    The RSVP of Daviess County was awarded a $1,000 grant to assist in the Comfort Care Projects. The three areas addressed include making teddy bears for children who go to the emergency room or have surgery at Daviess Community Hospital, making lap blankets for residents in care facilities in Daviess and Martin Counties and “Sending Smiles,” which is a paper-craft flower arrangement project for patients at Daviess Community Hospital.

  • Spurs & Saddles

    Spurs and Saddles (Daviess County 4-H Association) received a $1,200 grant to assist in the purchase of a portable PA system for announcing at shows and practices. Spurs and Saddles is a 4-H program that aims to teach kids about responsibility, leadership, integrity and hard work through proper animal husbandry, quality horsemanship and club participation.

  • Daviess County Partnership, Inc

    The Daviess County Partnership, Inc was awarded a $1,000 grant for the 2024 Jubilee Christmas, an assistance program for families in Daviess County who have children ages birth through 15. The Jubilee Christmas will be held again for families to pick out gifts for their children age birth through 10. Children ages 11-15 will be taken shopping for clothes, shoes and personal hygiene items and accompanied by an adult. Families also receive a $50 voucher for food or personal/cleaning supplies.

  • Martin County Cancer Patient Services

    The Martin County Cancer Patient Services received a $1,200 grant to cover the costs of purchasing needed office equipment to maintain the proper, and required, records for their ongoing services. The MCCPS assists people with cancer, who reside in Martin County, so that no one faces cancer alone. Currently the MCCPS supports over 35 patients.

  • Shoals Community School Fabrication Lab

    The Shoals Community School- Shoals Fabrication Lab was awarded a $1,500 grant to purchase new equipment, such as laser engraver filters, 3D printers, drones and CAD equipment for the fabrication programs in the elementary, middle and high school.

  • North Daviess Spanish 4

    The North Daviess Spanish 4 class was awarded a $700 grant for their Community Enhancement project. The class joined with the ND construction and welding classes to build activity game tables from wooden wire spools for members in the community.

  • Stone City Alliance for Recovery and Hope, Inc.

    Stone City Alliance for Recovery and Hope received a $500 grant to purchase new linens to be used at the Men’s Warming Shelter and Supporting People in Need (SPIN) facility.

  • Shoals Public Library

    The Shoals Public Library was awarded with a $2,500 grant for the installation expansion and renovation of the Carnegie building to make it handicap accessible. The project would include the installation of an elevator and handicap accessible restroom.

  • Lost River Township Volunteer Fire Department

    The Lost River Township Volunteer Fire Department (LRTVFD) received a $750 grant to help purchase turnout gear (helmet, coat, pants, boots, hood, and gloves) that meet NFPA/OSHA standards for new fire department members.

  • Friends of Waggoner’s Chapel, Inc.

    Friends of Waggoner’s Chapel was a warded a $700 grant to provide a sanitary waste disposal, outdoor restroom, for the church and adjoining cemetery so that weddings, funerals, community events and more can be held at the church.

  • Cannelburg Fire Department, Inc.

    The Cannelburg Fire Department received a $750 grant to replace old gasoline and oil equipment like saws, drills and impact drivers with new battery powered tools.

    2023 Grant Recipients

    Below are a few examples of organizations that received an Operation Round Up grant in 2023. In 2023 alone, $23,000 was granted.

    • 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 46th 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.

    • Martin County 4-H Horse and Pony Club

      The Martin County 4-H Horse and Pony Club received a $1,000 grant to aid in the purchase of new arena lights. The club leaders are working to build a strong program with a safe arena for 4-Hers to use before, during, and after the county fair. Lights will allow later practice times and more opportunities to use the arena.

    • The Martin County Christmas Store

      The Martin County Christmas Store received a $1,000 grant to purchase toys for the toy store held on the 2ndSaturday in December at the Loogootee Methodist Church.

    • Stone City Alliance for Recover and Hope, Inc.

      The Stone City Alliance for Recover and Hope, Inc. was awarded a $1,000 grant to purchase 60 new chairs for their dining area. The merging with Supporting People In Need (SPIN) in November of 2022 the dining area has seen an increase in attendance. Since November 1, 2022, they have served 4,146 breakfast meals through this program.

    • Loogootee Post Prom

      Loogootee Post Prom received a $500 grant to be used to purchase prizes at the after-prom celebration that promotes safe, substance-free activities to local high school students.

    • Daviess County Partnership Inc.

      Daviess County Partnership Inc. was granted a $1,000 grant to assist the Jubilee Christmas with purchasing needed items for this years Christmas Store.

    • Shoals Art Department

      The Shoals Art Department received a $1,000 grant to purchase art supplies needed in the classroom and for students to participate in the Jug Rox Make-A Difference Day.

    • Martin County Cancer Patient Services

      The Martin County Cancer Patient Services was awarded a $1,000 grant to assist in covering transportation costs for cancer patients to their doctors’ visits, scans, procedures, and treatments.

    • Barr-Reeve Post Prom

      The Barr-Reeve Post Prom Inc. was awarded a $500 grant to help cover the cost of hosting the Barr-Reeve Post Prom.

    • Shoals Class of 2025 Post Prom

      The Shoals Class of 2025 Post Prom received a $500 dollar grant to purchase prizes at the 2023 post prom.

    • Washington Carnegie Public Library

      The Washington Carnegie Public Library was awarded a $1,000 grant to purchase book carts, totes and other supplies for the new Community Engagement Van named Joy.

      2022 Grant Recipients

      Below are a few examples of organizations that received an Operation Round Up grant in 2022. A total of $23,360 was granted 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.