A. Operation RoundUp® is a national program utilized by electric companies to raise funds for charity. RushShelby Energy members contribute a small amount on their bill payment each month. With more than 80% of our 15,000 consumers participating, this generates more than $60,000 each year. While the average donation is only $6.00 per member each year, this is an example of “small change that changes lives.” The money is distributed through grants to non-profit organizations operating within the nine county RSE service territory. The full legal name of the organization is RushShelby Energy Rural Electric Community Fund, Inc.
Q. Who controls the funds that Operation RoundUp® generates?
A. The Operation RoundUp® funds are managed by a board of trustees consisting of leaders within the service territory. One trustee represents each of the electric cooperative director districts. No directors or employees of RushShelby Energy serve on the board of trustees.
Q. Who will benefit from the Operation RoundUp® program?
A. The Operation RoundUp® program is intended to benefit organizations within the RushShelby Energy service area. Operation RoundUp® funds may be used for community service projects, economic development, education and youth programs, environmental projects, emergency energy assistance and disaster relief. Operation RoundUp® funds may not be used for political purposes nor can they be used to pay utility bills or fees.
Q. Where are the funds kept?
A. The Operation RoundUp® funds are kept in an insured account in a local bank and dispersed as directed by the Operation RoundUp Trustees.
Q. Do funds come into Operation RoundUp® from any other sources?
A. Some donations have been made to the Operation RoundUp® fund from other groups and organizations. Proceeds from a golf outing, capital credit checks, and donations from an estate have all been received in the past.
Q. Who can apply for Operation RoundUp® funds?
A. Organizations within (or serving within) the RushShelby Energy service area may apply.
Q. Do I have to participate in Operation RoundUp®?
A. The Operation RoundUp® program is voluntary. Each new member is automatically signed up to participate, but any member who wishes not participate may notify us by calling our office at (765) 544-2600. Any member who previously decided not to participate and has now changed their mind, may sign up for Operation RoundUp® by calling the office.
Q. How is the money paid to organizations?
A. Most often the organizations are paid in the form of a check for the amount granted for a specific purpose. Some conditions may apply to specific grants and the organization would be notified of those conditions at the time the approval was given.
Q. Are there limits to how much an organization may receive?
A. The board of trustees has set limits on the amount any one organization may receive in any year. They have also limited the number of times an organization may request grants and have set a minimum amount of time that must pass between grant applications.
Q. How much will Operation RoundUp® cost a member?
A. The average member will contribute $6.00 per year. The most they can contribute is $11.88 per year. These dollars are tax deductible. You will receive notification, on your January bill, of the total amount you have contributed during the year.
Q. What if we are a non-profit group but don’t have an IRS ruling?
A. Organizations requesting grant funds must have a letter from the IRS designating the organization as a non-profit, usually 501 (c) 3, entity.
Q. How much can an organization receive from Operation RoundUp®?
A. The Operation RoundUp board has granted requests ranging from $200.00 up to $10,000.00, which is the maximum amount allowed.
Q. How do I apply for funds?
A. Applications are available at the RushShelby Energy office. The application may also be downloaded from this web site, using the links below. (Download requires Acrobat Reader.) The completed application must be submitted to the Operation RoundUp® Board for consideration at their next quarterly meeting.
You can use your computer to complete the application, if you have Adobe Reader. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you can download it by following this link:
