REYNOLDS — The Georgia Southwestern Foundation, Inc. recently received $5,000 in grant funds from the Flint Energies Foundation. The funds from the grant will be used to purchase Gait analysis software to further the education of Exercise Science students.
In 2001, Flint Energies adopted this uniquely simple and rewarding way to enable members to raise money for local charities and service organizations – Operation Round Up®. The electric cooperative’s members contribute nearly $200,000 annually to the Flint Energies Foundation, which supports worthy causes in the 17 counties it serves. Operation Roundup® is a way for members to add voluntarily to those funds in their own unique way.
Participating members allow Flint Energies to “round-up” their bill to the nearest dollar. For example, if a bill is $92.71, a member will pay $93, with all 29 cents going directly to the Flint Energies Foundation. On average, a member will contribute $6 a year, but never more than $11.88. If a member decides not to participate or chooses to discontinue contributions at any time, they may simply contact Flint Energies. Nearly 65 percent of Flint’s members have chosen to participate. Donations to Operation Round Up® are tax deductible and members receive a summary of contributions in future January and February bills.
The Flint Energies Foundation board of directors disburses all contributions to approved, worthy projects. Member contributions are not used for administration costs. The Foundation is a state-chartered, non-profit, 501(c) foundation. Foundation Board members include Chairman Kathy Waites, Fort Valley; Vice Chairman Joanne Hamlin, Lizella; Treasurer Connie McCutchen, Midland; Sara Murph, Kathleen; Charles Harrison, Grovania; Pat Bartness, Warner Robins; George West, Kathleen; John Luppino, Warner Robins; Rudy Killingsworth, Buena Vista; Eloise Doty, Butler and Betty Chase, Oglethorpe.
Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, began Operation Round Up, in 1989. Since that time, more than 200 other electric membership cooperatives nationwide have chosen to adopt the program. Funding applications are available by contacting Flint Energies at 1-800-342-3616 or visiting the My Community section of www.flintenergies.com