As general manager of Southeastern Indiana REMC, I am very proud of the impact our cooperative has had in making southeast Indiana a better place to live, work and raise a family.  

One way we do this is through Operation Round Up, our charitable program that demonstrates one of our cooperative principles, Concern for Community. We feel a strong responsibility to the people in our service territory that goes beyond simply providing safe, reliable 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 consumers reach out to worthy causes in their communities and work together to help one another.  

Since the program’s inception in 2016, Southeastern Indiana REMC has awarded $594,637.06 to various groups and organizations through the Operation Round Up program, helping with a variety of community-focused projects throughout our seven-county service area. 

None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of our members who round up their bills to the nearest whole dollar each month to help fund the program. We’re also blessed to have seven members of our board of trustees who volunteer their time to oversee the grant approval process.  

In December, we will begin accepting applications for the next round of grants. If your group or organization is planning a community-focused project or program within our seven-county service territory, you may want to apply for an Operation Round Up grant.  

Visit the Operation Round Up page on our website for eligibility requirements and to download an application. Applications will be accepted Dec. 1–31.