Small change that changes lives.
Your spare change goes a long way when you share it through the Operation Round Up program. Through Operation Round Up, Hancock-Wood automatically rounds up a participating member's electric bill to the next highest dollar. For example, a consumer's monthly bill of $52.73 is automatically rounded up to $53.00, with the additional 27 cents going to the Operation Round Up fund. On average, a member gives about $6 a year.
These pennies, nickels and dimes help raise thousands of dollars every year. Hancock-Wood distributes these collective donations to qualifying community groups and individuals in our area needing assistance. This program's concept was created by a South Carolina cooperative in 1989 who shared the idea with others nationwide; since then, hundreds of cooperatives across the country have adopted the program.
To apply:
The Operation Round Up board meets 2-4 times a year, so applications are reviewed accordingly. NOTE: Applications are being revised and will be posted in late May 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have a choice in participating?
Yes. All members were automatically enrolled into the program at its inception, but if you wish to opt out at any time, simply Contact Us.
How do I know how much of my bill is going to Operation Round Up?
Your monthly electric bill includes an extra line that lists Operation Round Up and the amount that rounds up your bill to the next dollar.
Does the bill round up even if the cents amount is less than $.50?
Yes. A $49.01 bill and a $49.99 both round up to $50.00. Once again, over the course of a year, the typical member contributes around $6 a year.
What happens to the Operation Round Up funds?
Every cent is deposited into a separate Trust Fund used only for helping those who apply.
Are my contributions tax deductible? Come tax time, how will I know how much I contributed over the year?
Yes, these contributions can be considered tax deductible, charitable donations. On your December bill each year, we include a small statement indicating how much you contributed over the previous year.
How much of my donation goes toward administrative costs?
None. Every single penny donated by members goes directly to charity. A small administrative cost to run Operation Round Up is absorbed by Hancock-Wood.
Who controls how this money is spent?
A separate five-member board has been named from throughout the Hancock-Wood service area. This board reviews and approves applications for assistance, based on demonstrated need and funds available.
I don't want someone else deciding where my charitable contributions should go. Why can't I choose the charities?
You can, by serving on the board -- if you're interested, just Contact Us. If you're not interested, consider the larger picture: any time we're part of a group in society, we must place our confidence in the hands of those in charge and trust that those on the board are making the best decision possible. Allowing thousands of members the option to choose individual charities would prove problematic administratively, and even giving them a choice of a select few would limit spontaneity of sudden charitable causes throughout the year (e.g., fire victims).
Who can apply for the funds?
Groups or individuals/families in our service territory are welcome to apply. Applications can be downloaded here or at the links near the top of this page.
What are possible uses of the funds?
Some examples could be funding for community service, education and youth, community economic assistance, environment, emergency energy assistance and disaster relief. Donations are not limited to these categories, however, political issues or campaigns are not eligible for grants.
How much money is raised from Operation Round Up?
Based on an average contribution of $.50 per month from participating Hancock-Wood members, about $6,000 a month is contributed. The money goes into a bank account until it is distributed.
How can someone apply? When will grants be disbursed?
The board meets about 2-4 times a year. Exact dates have not been determined, but any application received before a meeting will be considered at the meeting.
Why did Hancock-Wood decide to do this?
Our community involvement is a hallmark of a caring, local utility that is concerned about the well-being of our members. We believe in and support the people who live on our lines. And in being a cooperative, we must adhere to our seven guiding principles; #7 is "concern for community" -- while focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members. We believe Operation Round Up is a perfect way to help us fulfill that 7th principle. Overall, it fits perfectly with the principles of our cooperative -- to pool a small amount of our individual resources to make a big difference for the community as a whole. If you read more about our history, that's exactly how the cooperative was formed back in the 1930s.
Why should my money go to people who won't pay their bills?
While the program can help those who are in financial hardship, it is not desgined to benefit delinquent bill payers. At its basic level, the program is there to help those in need, not necessarily those who won't pay electric bills. The application requires applicants to prove their need through required information, including: employment, other aid being received, assets, liabilities, expenses, income and references, and others. If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a bill, we recommend first consulting the agencies listed on our website.
Why did you auto-enroll everyone into this program, and require us to opt-out, rather than asking people to sign up voluntarily?
We debated the notion of enrolling all members into the program (and asking them to opt out if they wish) vs. voluntary enrollment. Research showed that we would have much better involvement if we chose the former -- this is not because people will not notice it on their bills, it's because most people simply won't take the initiative to contact us and sign up. It is voluntary in the sense that a member can choose to be excluded from participation at any time. Philosophically, however, it is simply part of being a Hancock-Wood member.
Are all types of members part of the program, even commercial and industrial?
Yes.
I'm on the budget billing program where my bill is already rounded to an even dollar amount every month. Will I be donating a full dollar to Operation Round Up every month?
No. Budget billing program participants will participate in the same manner as everyone else, as the "actual" billed amount -- not the averaged "budget" amount -- will be the figure used to determine only the Operation Round Up donation.
I'd like to contribute even more to this program, beyond my rounded bill each month? Can I make a lump donation?
Yes. You can mail your check to our office, and it will be deposited directly into the Trust. Make checks payable and mail to:
HWE Community Trust Fund, Inc.
2451 Grant Rd.
PO Box 190
North Baltimore, OH 45872-0190
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