When neighbors are in need, we take action through Operation Round Up® grants. Last year, 30 local nonprofits and community groups received $68,454 to help with everything from energy payment assistance to various health care and school programs.

Participating in Operation Round Up is easy. No 1 donates more than $12 a year but together our members have generated more than $1 million since November 2002, and it’s made a world of difference. The donations are placed in a trust (called the Kootenai Electric Trust) and a volunteer board of Kootenai Electric Cooperative members determines how to allocate the funds.

Trust Board photo above (below from left): Kathleen Barrett, District 4; Connie McGee, District 3; Fred Muhs, District 5; Cheri Zao, District At-Large; Len Crosby, Chair, District 2; Tom Craig Zajicek, Vice Chair, District At-Large; and Susan Meyer, Secretary/Treasurer, District 1.

Grants are awarded to local non-profit organizations including schools, food banks, senior centers, and more. Grants are reported quarterly and online in the newsletter. You may also visit KEC’s YouTube channel to watch videos on recent grants.

To us, you are more than an account number. That’s why KEC also helps hometown students pay for college. We have supported 132 students with $142,000 in college scholarships over the last 12 years. These scholarships help educate and strengthen our community.

Are you “rounding up” your KEC bill? If not, we need your help! The need in our community continues to grow and the Operation Round Up program is looking for more members to participate. Contact us at KEC Email or (208) 765-1200 to sign up. Members who choose not to contribute to Operation Round Up, or who would like to begin contributing, may simply “opt-out” or “opt-in” on their bill or contact KEC by phone, letter, or email. Visit our Recently Awarded Grants page.