Many local energy cooperatives in Minnesota administer an “Operation Round Up” program. Member-owners of the cooperative round up their bill to the next whole dollar. The additional rounded up amount is pooled into a community fund, which is granted to local organizations and projects that improve the quality of life for the community.
Grant Guide
Overview
Find My Cooperative
Local energy cooperatives are under the umbrella of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. You can go to the link below, filter down to Minnesota, and find the energy cooperative in your area. Then, go to their website to see if they have Operation Round Up program, usually found under “Community” or “About Us.”
Application & Review Process
Deadline: Usually quarterly
Application deadlines are unique to each energy cooperative. Typically, there is an online or PDF application that is submitted in advance of a committee meeting where award decisions are made. These meetings may occur quarterly, bi-annually, or annually.
Funding Amount
Usually less than $5,000
The grant amounts vary by program, but typically requests will be from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Matches may be required, but are not common.
Eligibility
Projects
Each energy cooperative has their own program focus, but many of them include “environment” as a focus. Be sure to check for specific project eligibility.
Infrastructure
Land/Resource
Organizational Dev’t
People/Engagement
Applicants
Most programs offer grants to nonprofit organizations, and some make funds available to individuals and government entities as well. Be sure to check with local program recipient eligibility.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Government Entity
Land Type & Geography
Typically, projects must fall within the service area of the energy cooperative. Check with local programs for eligibility about project location.
State
Regional
Local
Parks
Trails
Examples
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project | Program |
| $800 | Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park | Volleyball court upgrades | Beltrami Electric Cooperative Inc. |
| $1,060 | School District 288 | Climb and crawl slide | Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative |
| $1,500 | Boy Scouts of America | Camping trip in fall | East Central Energy |
| $2,000 | City of Princeton | Riebe Park interpretive signs | East Central Energy |
| $5,000 | Gilman Park & Rec Association | Replace fencing around softball field | East Central Energy |