Sioux Valley Energy – Operation Round Up® Grants (2026)
Quarterly Community Grants Funded by Member Bill Round-Ups
Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round Up® program provides charitable and educational grants funded through voluntary contributions from cooperative members and employees. By rounding electric bills up to the next dollar, members help support worthy local causes across the cooperative’s service territory—embodying the long-standing principle of neighbors helping neighbors.
Organization: Sioux Valley Energy (Operation Round Up® / Customers’ Trust)
Support Type: Community grants; emergency assistance
Geographic Focus: Sioux Valley Energy service territory and adjacent areas
Apply / Learn More: https://www.siouxvalleyenergy.com/operation-round-up
About the Funder
Operation Round Up® gathers small, voluntary contributions from participating Sioux Valley Energy members—averaging roughly $6 per member per year—and distributes nearly all funds directly to local needs rather than administrative costs. Since 2000, the program has awarded more than $2 million to charitable, educational, and emergency assistance efforts in the communities the cooperative serves.
Funding Priorities
Operation Round Up® funds are used for charitable and educational purposes, including emergency energy assistance, with priority in the following areas:
Community Service
- Public safety, health care, self-sufficiency, and basic human needs
- Cultural programs that enhance community quality of life
Economic Development
- Business retention, expansion, new business development, and tourism
- Regional cooperation among economic development organizations
- Community leadership development and problem-solving initiatives
Education & Youth
- Scholarships and programs emphasizing math and science
- Programs supporting at-risk children and teens
- Youth wellness, athletics, and physical fitness initiatives
Environment
- Recycling and natural resource preservation
- Environmental quality education
- Environmentally sensitive agricultural research
Emergency Energy Assistance
- Qualified fuel funds and assistance programs serving low-income households
Disaster Relief
- Emergency response and recovery following severe storms, accidents, or other disasters
Award Amounts
- Individuals: Up to $2,500 per year
- Groups, organizations, or charities: Up to $10,000 per year
Eligibility & Geographic Focus
- Funding is focused within Sioux Valley Energy’s service territory and adjacent areas
- Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Organizations located outside the service area may be eligible if their programs directly benefit residents within the service area
Funding Restrictions
Operation Round Up® generally does not fund:
- Political, lobbying, or religious organizations
- Labor organizations
- Fundraising dinners, raffles, or similar events
- Individuals (except for scholarships or disaster relief)
- Capital campaigns
- National fund drives
- Advertising
Board Review Schedule & Deadlines
Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Sioux Valley Energy Customers’ Trust Board of Directors.
Board Meeting Months:
- March
- June
- September
- December
Submission Deadline Rule:
Applications must be received by the 20th of the month preceding the Board meeting to be considered.
Example:
To be considered at the December Board meeting, applications must be received no later than November 20.
Applications received after the deadline will be held for consideration at the following quarterly meeting.
Evaluation Criteria
Funding decisions are based on:
- Benefit to local residents and the broader community
- Demonstrated community support
- Fiscal and administrative capacity of the applicant
- Clear, measurable outcomes
Preference is given to projects that can be completed within 12 months of application.
Application / Request Process
To apply:
- Complete the Operation Round Up® application form
- Attach required supporting documentation
- Submit by mail or email:
Mail:
Sioux Valley Energy
PO Box 216
Colman, SD 57017
Email:
amy.voelker@siouxvalleyenergy.com
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is ideal for applicants that:
- Serve communities within Sioux Valley Energy’s service territory
- Address basic needs, education, economic development, environment, or emergency assistance
- Have clearly defined projects with local impact
- Can align timelines with quarterly board review cycles
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Quarterly board review
- Deadlines: 20th of the month prior to March, June, September, or December meetings
- Award Caps: $2,500 (individuals); $10,000 (organizations)
- Funding Source: Member and employee voluntary contributions
- Best Suited For: Local nonprofits and individuals with time-bound community projects