Every year, Kosciusko REMC (KREMC), through their Operation Round Up program, awards grants during four application cycles: Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1.

The first deadline of 2023 is just a few weeks away, according to a news release from Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

Support for Operation Round Up comes from local individuals and families. KREMC encourages its members to “round up” each electric bill to the nearest whole dollar. The extra cents are then deposited into the Operation Round Up fund, held by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, which supports a variety of causes in communities served by KREMC, stated the release.

“It’s not too late! Anyone considering this grant should set up a meeting with me before applying,” said Terrill Hooks, program officer at the Community Foundation. “Let us help you decide if an Operation Round Up grant is right for your organization.”

Operation Round Up favors applications that reach a broad segment of Kosciusko County; impact low-income individuals, families and seniors; aid in youth development through mentoring and innovative educational opportunities outside of school, among other recommended parameters.

In 2021-22, grants were awarded to more than 30 local organizations, including Joe’s Kids, Junior Achievement Serving Wawasee, Presby Preschool and the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. A full list of grantees is available at kcfoundation.org/grants/kremc-operation-round-up. Grants are typically between $2,000-$5,000 and are awarded about six weeks after each application deadline.

Detailed guidelines and the application are available on the Community Foundation’s website. Visit kcfoundation.org/grants/kremc-operation-round-up or call 574-267-9101 to get started.