Operation Round Up

Operation Round Up is a significant way LREC members can come together to make a difference in our community. Extra change generated from rounding up the monthly bills of participating members is used to fund requests by local charitable organizations. These small amounts — between $0.01 to $0.99 — all add up to make a big impact. Members can also elect to donate a fixed amount each month.

For example: if your bill is $72.36, it is rounded up to $73.00 and the extra 64¢ goes to the Operation Round Up Trust Fund. Multiply all that extra change by the thousands of generous LREC members who participate, and it makes a BIG difference in our local communities. This unique program has provided funds for purchasing various items for local fire departments, groups serving youth, medical equipment for those in need, donations to food shelves and many other worthwhile causes.

Operation Round Up—small change that changes lives.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To be a part of this voluntary program, sign up online, check the box on your billing statement, or email billing@lrec.coop

Our SmartHub users can sign up by just logging into their SmartHub account.

Log into SmartHub and visit the Billing & Payments tab, then select Operation Round Up.
Click Enroll and accept the Terms and Conditions.
Choose an Enrollment Option and click Confirm. You have the option to unenroll anytime.

Members who aren’t signed up with SmartHub can sign up at Operation Round Up Participation Agreement.

HOW TO GET FUNDING

If you have a community project that needs funding, complete the online Operation Round Up Request for Funding form and submit it with supporting documentation for consideration.

Contribution Guidelines
Contributions will be distributed primarily in the local area served by Lake Region Electric Cooperative. Donations will be limited to non-profit, charitable organizations. Non-profit organizations that have been granted IRS Code 501(c)(3) status and serve a large number of people will be given priority.

Upcoming deadlines are listed below.

Application Deadlines

Applications for ORU funding are received three times a year. 2026 deadlines:

March 15, 2026
June 15, 2026
Sept. 15, 2026

Meeting Dates

The Operation Round Up Board of Directors meet quarterly. Remaining 2026 meeting dates:

April 13, 2026
July 8, 2026
October 2026

RECENT GRANT RECIPIENTS

Funds were granted to 12 local organizations throughout Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s service area from the Operation Round Up Program. A total of $30,200 was awarded by the Operation Round Up Board of Trustees at the April 13, 2026 meeting. Organizations receiving funds were:

$500 to Fergus Falls Polis Department for open house to teach kids about safety
$500 to Our Savior’s Ten Mile Lake Quilters for quilting supplies
$500 to Save the Trinity/Trinity Center for supplies for kids’ quilt camp
$1,000 to the History Museum of East Otter Tail County for new compluters
$1,000 to Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. for materials for home repair projects for those in need
$1,000 to MN Deer Hunters Association of Fergus Falls for youth camp and firearm safety classes
$1,200 to Pelican Rapids Multicultural Committee for International Friendship Festival
$2,000 to Henning Area Community Association for enhancements to playground for ADA accessibility
$2,500 to Northern Lights Council – Scouting America for for registration support, camping scholarships, and uniform costs for participants
$5,000 to Apple Tree Dental for dental equipment to expand access to dental care
$5,000 to Rivers Area Memory Cafe for gatherings fostering connection, learning, and joy for those experiencing memory loss
$10,000 to Ottertail Family & Recreational Center for childcare pods and community and wellness center

The total amount awarded since 2007 is $1,023,040.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Operation Round Up is a voluntary charitable fundraising program through Lake Region Electric Cooperative. The trust fund is overseen by a volunteer, nine-member board of trustees, who are selected to serve by LREC’s board of directors. Current ORU Trustee Board Members are: