Powering our communities is part of our mission at TCEC and one of the ways that happens is through the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community.” We take community involvement seriously and that’s why we are launching an Operation Round Up program in January 2021 to help members support local charitable causes.
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.
Quick Facts
• 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 disbursement of funds to community-based organizations for charitable purposes, educational purposes or emergency services.
Disbursements annually per organization are limited to $5,000. These limits may be increased by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors of the Foundation.
The Foundation board of directors meets the second Wednesday of the first month of each quarter. The board met April 14, 2021. Upcoming meetings are July 14, 2021, October 13, 2021, and January 12, 2022.
TCEC members fund donations to 12 local organizations
TCEC’s member-supported Operation Round Up program awarded $16,900 to 12 local organizations through the TCEC Foundation in April.
It’s an ongoing charitable fundraising program to benefit worthwhile community projects. TCEC customers 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.
Each month, members who wish to participate will allow TCEC to automatically round up electric bills to the next highest dollar amount. For example, if your bill is $68.49, your bill will be rounded up to $69, meaning that month’s contribution is 51 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 TCEC Foundation. The cost to you will be 99 cents or less per month and will average about $6 a year per member. Individually it doesn’t sound like much, but collectively it adds up in a hurry.
Automatic opt-in Operation Round Up programs are more successful with an approximately 80% retention rate. This approach saves marketing dollars over time as well and helps give more back to the communities we serve.
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.
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.
This nine-person volunteer board of directors from the TCEC service area reviews the applications and determines the disbursement of funds.
District 1: Levi Bickford
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
Separate from the TCEC board of trustees, this non-paid board will evaluate applications made to the program and make recommendations for issuing of funds. The board will have a set of bylaws by which to operate.
Any participation from our members is appreciated. However, if you’d like only one of your meters rounded up, just let us know.
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 Operation Round Up® TCEC Foundation is a nonprofit organization operated for charitable purposes. 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.
NO! The Foundation’s bylaws specifically state that no funds will funds be used for political contributions.
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.
YES! Our attorney has reviewed the Bylaws of the Operation Round Up® program and has filed all of the documentation to implement the program.