In April, the Beltrami Electric Cooperative Trust Board for Operation Round Up® carefully reviewed 39 grant applications requesting $114,103 in funding. With $40,191 in available funds, the board faced tough decisions but ultimately awarded $40,190 to 21 deserving organizations—ensuring vital programs in our communities receive the support they need.

Operation Round Up® is a charitable initiative unique to electric cooperatives, where members round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. While the average donation is just 50 cents per month (or $6 a year), these small contributions add up—creating a meaningful funding source for community projects. 100% of donations go directly to local nonprofits and community groups.

Grants this cycle were awarded to a diverse group of organizations, including:  Bemidji Career Academies, Let’s Go Fishing-Bemidji Chapter, Bemidji Middle School Robotics, Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Bemidji Veterans Memorial Board, Blackduck Area Senior Center, Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival, Boys & Girls Club of Bemidji Area – Blackduck Branch, Hope House, Evergreen Youth & Family Services, Headwaters Science Center, Kelliher Fire & Rescue, Lead for Inclusion, Northern Lights Council, Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, Occupational Development Center, Society of St. Vincent de Paul: St. Philip’s Conference, The Nature Connection, Unbridled Ranch, United Way of Bemidji Area, Youth Emergency Shelter & Supports.

Projects supported span the areas of community service, education and youth, environment, and economic development. Since its inception, Beltrami Electric’s Operation Round Up® Program has awarded $771,442 to 614 local projects.

The Trust Board is comprised of five Beltrami Electric Co-op members who volunteer their time to serve and includes Kay Mack, Miriam Osborn-Dougherty, Sharon Hadrava, Jean Diffley, and Marne Waldo.