Powering our communities is part of our mission at TCEC. We stand by the universal cooperative principle of “Concern for Community.” The Operation Round Up program launched in January 2021 to help members support local charitable causes.
The Foundation board of directors meets on the second Wednesday of the first month of each quarter. Applications are due by the last business day of the prior month to be considered for funding at the meeting.
• 2023 4Q—January 10, 2024 - Applications are due December 29
• 2024 1Q—April 10, 2024 - Applications are due March 29
• 2024 2Q—July 10, 2024 - Applications are due June 28
• 2024 3Q—October 9, 2024 - Applications are due September 30
• 2024 4Q—January 8, 2025 - Applications are due December 31
Operation Round Up rounds monthly electric bills up to the nearest dollar to fund projects that can make a significant difference in the community. While an individual member’s donation amounts to pocket change each month, the program allows TCEC to collect an average of $6 for each participating meter annually. Together, those donations add up.
Operation Round Up is an ongoing charitable fundraising program to benefit worthwhile community projects. TCEC 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.
One of the cooperative principles is Concern for Community. We feel a strong responsibility to the people in our service territory that goes beyond simply providing reliable, affordable 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.
When the program launched in January 2021, TCEC members were automatically opted-in. Automatic opt-in Operation Round Up programs are more successful with an approximately 80% retention rate. This approach saved marketing dollars over time as well and helped give more back to the communities we serve.
If you have multiple accounts, all of them will be rounded up unless you let us know otherwise. You can opt to have only one account participate or even opt-out completely.
We realize that not everyone is willing or able to participate in the program. You may opt out of the voluntary program. However, if you do not notify us of your decision to opt out, then you will automatically be in the program. You may opt-out at any time in the future if your situation changes or you may opt-back in, as well.
Anyone can withdraw from Operation Round Up® at any time by contacting the TCEC office. Members may receive a refund for up to one year’s contributions.
The TCEC Foundation mission states that funds will be disbursed to community-based organizations for charitable purposes, educational purposes, or emergency services in TCEC’s service area. Disbursements may be made to nonprofit, community-based organizations, fire departments and other emergency services, and schools. Funds shall not be used to pay utility bills or go toward political campaigns.
A list of the funds given out will be featured periodically in the member newsletter and there will be an annual report for the fund. Until the funds are distributed, they will be placed in a fund with the TCEC Foundation.
Disbursements annually per organization are limited to $5,000. A two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors of the Foundation may increase these limits.
Since January 2021, the program has donated $183,350 to 105 local projects.
Updated October 2023
The foundation directors met on October 11 and disbursed $14,500 to seven local organizations that applied for funds in the third quarter of 2023.
- $1,500 to Beaver County Pioneer Library - Outdoor Classroom Pergola
- $3,500 to Town of Tyrone - Lawn Mower
- $1,200 to Cimarron Heritage Center - Printer
- $2,300 to Cimarron County Food Pantry - Freezer and Electrical Replacement
- $2,000 to Goodwell Fire Department - Bunker Gear
- $3,000 to Goodwell EMS - Ambulance Rebuild
- $1,000 to Ervin & Kathy Brune - Donated Christmas Meals
Applications are due December 31, 2023 for consideration at the next January 8, 2025 meeting. If you know of a need, encourage the charitable organization to apply at www.tcec.coop/oru.
If you would like to make a one-time donation to Operation Round Up instead of or in addition to rounding up your electric bill, make a check payable to the ‘TCEC Foundation’ with Operation Round Up in the memo line and mail it to TCEC, PO Box 880, Hooker, OK 73945. Alternatively, you can use the Operation Round Up page in SmartHub to change your contribution options. To learn more, contact TCEC at memberservice@tcec.coop or 580-652-2418.
TCEC established the Operation Round Up program for several reasons. First, one of TCEC’s core values is “Commitment to Community.” Second, the seventh universal cooperative principle is “Concern for Community.” Third, TCEC’s mission is to safely power our communities with innovation, accountability, and integrity - every member, every time. Together, we do more than we can alone.
The foundation directors met on July 12 and disbursed $16,850 to six local organizations that applied for funds in the second quarter of 2023.
The organizations and programs funded are listed below.
- $2,500 for 7 Days of Broadway to help with summer camps.
- $1,000 to Beaver Public Schools to purchase a tower garden for the first-grade class.
- $2,500 to Girls Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains to help with the Black Mesa Camp.
- $1,600 to the Morton County Library for the preserving memories project.
- $4,250 to the Keyes Community Development Group to purchase new picnic tables.
- $5,000 to Hooker Fights Hunger for their summer food programs.
Applications are due September 29 for consideration at the next meeting on October 11. If you know of a need, encourage the charitable organization to apply at www.tcec.coop/oru.
April 2023
The TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on April 12 and approved $17,900 for these seven local organizations that applied for funds in the 1st quarter of 2023
- $3,000 City of Hooker for Community Center updates
- $2,000 Hooker Police Department for non-lethal compliance tasers
- $5,000 Turpin Fire Department for new soft line
- $1,650 Forgan Fire Department for handheld radios
- $ 750 Cimarron Heritage Center for new computers and monitors
- $3,000 Guymon Fire Department for portable radios
- $2,500 Boise City Recreation Foundation for the Boise City Pool
Since January 2021, the program has donated $168,504 to 92 local projects.
Applications are due June 30 for consideration at the next quarterly meeting. Apply at www.tcec.coop
January 2023
The TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on April 12 and approved $17,900 for these seven local organizations that applied for funds in the 1st quarter of 2023.
- $2,000 to City of Hooker for Community Center updates
- $2,000 to Hooker Police Department for on-lethal compliance tasers
- $5,000 Turpin Fire Department for new soft line
- $1,650 Forgan Fire Department for Handheld radios
- $ 750 Cimarron Heritage Center for new computers and monitors
- $3,000 Guymon Fire Department for portable radios
- $2,500 Boise City Recreation Foundation for the Boise City Pool
Since January 2021, the program has donated $168,504 to 92 local projects.
October 2022
The TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on October 12 and approved $16,430 for these 10 local organizations that applied for funds in the 3rd quarter of 2022.
- $500 to Ervin and Kathy Brune for donated Christmas meals
- $2,500 to Dunaway Manor to update appliances
- $430 to Goodwell Elementary PE Program to purchase scooters
- $3,500 to Texas County Sherriff's Office for Cops for Kids
- $1,000 to Guymon High School to purchase yearbook cameras
- $3,000 to Hooker 3rd-4th grade robotics program to purchase supplies
- $1,300 to Cimarron Heritage Center to purchase a computer monitor
- $1,000 to Beaver School Mentoring for 1st-6th grade mentoring
- $1,200 to Panhandle Services for Children for promotional products
- $2,000 to Wheeless-Mexhoma Firefighter's Association for hand tools
July 2022
The TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on July 13 and approved $22,900 for these 17 local organizations that applied for funds in the 2nd quarter of 2022.
- $800 to Elkhart Senior Citizen Center to purchase an AED
- $800 to Hardesty Public Schools for school supplies
- $1,000 to Elkhart High School STUCO Mental Health Day & USD 218 MAD
- $2,000 to Beaver Volunteer Fire Department for pump replacement and repairs
- $1,800 to Texas County Extension Services/4-H for concession stand updates
- $1,500 to Straight Elementary School for AR reading program and new fountain
- $1,800 to Cimarron Heritage Center of Boise City for digital microfilm reader
- $1,800 to Hardesty FFA for shop supplies
- $2,000 to Guymon Loaves & Fishes for ongoing mission
- $2,000 to Hooker Fights Hunger Inc for summer food programs
- $500 to Boise City Rotary Peewee Baseball for Scoreboard Controller
- $1,000 to Beaver Public School Library for makerspace activities/library rewards
- $1,000 to DIY 4-H Club of Elkhart for Citizenship & Livestock Projects
- $2,000 to Guymon Fire Department for portable radios
- $800 to Soutar Memorial Library of Boise City for Lego education
- $800 to Boise City High School Robotics Team for robotics club
- $1,300 to Turpin ELA Program for Educational Experience
April 2022
The independent TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on April 13 and disbursed $16,350 to seven local organizations that applied for funds in the first quarter of 2022. The board also elected to donate an extra $10,000 to fire departments in Beaver County due to the grass fire in early April that burned over 20,000 acres.
- $3,000 to Hooker meal delivery for an upright freezer and Supplies
- $2,650 to Elkhart Lions Club to recondition and maintain the Scout Hut
- $1,500 to the Texhoma Ministry Alliance for the food pantry
- $2,700 to Seven Days of Broadway summer camps at OPSU in Goodwell
- $1,000 to Sublime Sanctuary for construction and shelter near Goodwell
- $4,500 to the Forgan Fire Department for wildland gear and/or pump
- $1,000 to the Liberal Desk and Derrick Club for programs in Oklahoma Panhandle Schools
- $1,059 to the Balko Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
- $1,706 to the Beaver Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
- $1,471 to the Elmwood Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
- $1,000 to the Forgan Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
- $1,764 to the Gate Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
- $1,647 to the Slapout Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
- $1,353 to the Turpin Fire Department for Beaver County grass fire
January 2022
The independent TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on January 12 and disbursed $23,300 to 12 local organizations that applied for funds in the fourth quarter of 2021. The organizations and programs funded are listed below.
- $1,800 to Goodwell HillToppers to replace the carpet in their facility
- $1,250 to the Hardesty Fire Department for automated defibrillators
- $2,000 to Crossroads for their mentoring program
- $3,000 to Cimarron County Food Pantry to replace deep freeze and refrigerator
- $1,800 to Turpin Senior Citizens to repair floors
- $2,800 to the Boise City Volunteer Firefighters for equipment upgrades
- $1,000 to Cimarron County EMS to upgrade EMS office/storage
- $500 to the Hooker Animal Shelter for facility renovations
- $3,150 to the Balko Fire Department for a new set of FireFlex bunker gear
- $2,000 to Guymon Public Schools for their “Full STEAM Ahead!” robotics kit
- $1,500 to Learn and Play for new equipment
- $2,500 to Goodwell Public Schools for greenhouse supplies
April 2023
The TCEC Foundation Board of Directors met on January 11 and approved $15,224 for these 6 local organizations that applied for funds in the 4th quarter of 2022.
- $2,000 to Guymon Firefighters for their Stop the Bleed program
- $1,224 to Tyrone Police Department for new body armor
- $2,000 to USD 218 Elkhart Science Department for their 5th-grade field trip
- $3,500 to GPS Academy Elementary Library for a Bookworm Book vending machine
- $1,500 to Sublime Sanctuary, Inc. for a horse run lean-to
- $5,000 to Balko Fire Department for a light bar and camera kit
The TCEC Foundation is a nonprofit organization operated for charitable purposes and funded by the Operation Round Up® program. Please consult the IRS or your tax professional to determine if your donation is deductible.
The member's December billing will include that month's contribution and their total contributions for the year.
This nine-person volunteer board of directors from the TCEC service area reviews the applications and determines the disbursement of funds. Separate from the TCEC board of trustees, this non-paid board evaluates applications made to the program and makes recommendations for issuing of funds. The board operates according to the TCEC Foundation Bylaws.
District 1: Kim Humbard
District 2: Alisha Griffith
District 3: Jill Johnson
District 4: Shelby Roche
District 5: Becky Jett
District 6: Marla Houtz
District 7: Melinda Veres
District 8: Eugene Day
District 9: Whitney Hampton
If your organization has received funding in the past and needs to submit a report of funds used, click here to complete the online reporting form.
Each month, an Operation Round Up recipient is chosen to be featured on our website and social media. View the feature articles and videos below!
- One hundred percent of your contributions will be donated locally.
- Foundation’s fund is managed by a board separate from TCEC.
- Participation is automatic and voluntary.
- Contact us if you would like to opt-out at any time.
The mission of the TCEC Foundation is the accumulation and disbursement of funds for charitable purposes in the service area of Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) including but not limited to Beaver, Texas and Cimarron Counties in Oklahoma, Morton County, Kansas, and Sherman County, Texas. This shall be accomplished by the disbursement of funds to community-based organizations for charitable purposes, educational purposes or emergency services.