Operation Round Up

South River EMC is proud to provide a means for customers to help the community where they live – and it proves that small change changes lives.

Operation Round Up is a voluntary program to have your electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar. By doing this, members can put their nickels and dimes to work and benefit our community. Operation Round Up will provide a financial boost for the community in the form of grants. Check out our Operation Round Up Brochure for a quick overview.

How Does It Work?

Operation Round Up is just what the name implies. Each month, the electric cooperative simply “rounds up” the electric bills of participating members to the next highest dollar. For example, let’s say your bill one month is $81.75, the bill would be automatically rounded up to $82 and the extra 25¢ would be deposited in the Operation Round Up fund. Through participation in Operation Round Up, the average contribution per member is approximately 50¢ a month, or $6 annually. Small change to the individual, can add up to thousands of dollars for the program. Who controls the funds? The South River Community Assistance Corporation, or CAC, a nonprofit foundation, will handle the distribution of funds. An independent board of directors, made up of community leaders, will govern the CAC and the distribution of funds. The funds will be given primarily to organizations that are serving either the health, safety, educational or recreational needs of citizens within our service area or to individuals or families who have fallen on unusually tough times.

How Do I Participate?

The program is voluntary. Each member is automatically signed up to participate, but any member who chooses not to participate, may withdraw by simply notifying the Cooperative. You can also opt out by contacting our office at (910)892-8071 or (800)338-5530 or send an e-mail to sremc@sremc.com. Please put “Operation Round Up Opt-Out” in the subject line.

Who Can Apply?

South River Electric Membership Corporation administers Operation Round Up through the Community Assistance Corporation.  Nonprofit agencies in Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties may apply for up to $5,000 annually to implement programs or purchase needed equipment to facilitate a program, which will help in our local communities.  Individuals or families who find themselves in unusually grave need of assistance may apply for up to $1000 once every five years. Individuals/families must have an active South River EMC account to qualify for a grant.

When Are Grants Distributed?

Operation Round Up grants are awarded quarterly in March, June, September and December. The application process is now open for the September funding cycle. Applications must be in no later than August 27 to be considered.

Application Guidelines (.doc)
Agency Application (.doc)
Individual/Family Application (.doc)
Educational Application (.doc)

Where Is The Money Going?

Past recipients can be found on our Operation Round Up history page.