Dubois REC Tops $400,000 in Grants Awarded to Local Non-Profit Organizations

FROM DUBOIS REC

JASPER -- The Operation Round Up program, which is overseen by Dubois REC hit a major milestone this quarter, as the most recent round of grants put the total amount at $406,702.88 since the program began in 2011.

Dubois REC would like to thank all the members who make this program possible. Operation Round Up is just what the name implies. Dubois REC members simply allow the co-op to “round up” their electric bill to the next highest dollar. That spare change goes into a fund that is overseen by a board of trustees, who are also Dubois REC members. Local groups, schools and community organizations can then apply for grants from this fund.

Those eligible to apply for the funds include groups or organizations located within the Dubois REC service territory, which covers the counties of Dubois, Crawford, Perry, Pike, Orange and Martin. Grants are available for local volunteer fire departments, youth programs, 4-H, senior citizen programs school programs and other community service projects. (The fund is NOT used to pay any electric or utility bills or used in any way to support or oppose any political candidate or campaign.)

The most recent round of grants totaled $17,200, awarded to six local organizations. Listed below are details of the recipients of these Operation Round Up grants and the projects which will benefit from the funds:

• The Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department received a $2,700 Operation Round Up grant to help upgrade some of their SCBA equipment, including cylinders and masks.

• The Dubois County Humane Society received a grant for $2,500 to help fund their spay/neuter program for cats and dogs.

• The Madison Township (Ireland) Fire Department received a grant for $7,000 to purchase several F-500 fire extinguishers, recharging kids, and recharging agent for all Dubois County Fire Departments.

• Mentors for Youth of Dubois County received a $1,000 grant to purchase a 13-inch MacBook Pro for the program’s marketing manager and recruitment materials.

• The Older Americans’ Center in Jasper, received a $1,000 grant to upgrade the fitness room, by replacing an outdated treadmill.

• West Crawford Elementary School received a $3,000 grant to help fund a summer intervention program, which includes phonics instruction to support early literacy and reading skills, as well as robotic engineering activities.

Dubois REC will accept applications for the next cycle of Operation Round Up® grants May 1-29. Grant applications must be submitted before 4 p.m. on May 29. Representatives from local civic groups, non-profits, schools or community organizations who would like to apply for an Operation Round Up grant can download the application forms from www.duboisrec.com, under the “Community” section. Applications are also available at the Dubois REC office, by calling 812.482.5454 or sending an email to Kyla Jones at [email protected].