KCCF Operation Round-Up Grant

The Kosciusko REMC Operation Round Up Fund is administered through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and is supported by the voluntary contributions of Kosciusko REMC members who agree to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar. These contributions are pooled to create a grantmaking resource designed to strengthen communities in Kosciusko County. The fund provides support to charitable causes across a range of program areas including arts and culture, civic, education, environment, health, human services, and recreation. It is guided by a volunteer advisory committee that evaluates applications and makes funding recommendations. The foundation emphasizes that proposals must align with charitable purposes and benefit residents within the Kosciusko REMC service area. The grant program is structured around quarterly deadlines, specifically February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 each year. Applications must be submitted online by 4:30 p.m. on the due date to be considered. After submission, the review process begins with a staff eligibility and completeness review during the first three weeks. In weeks four and five, the Operation Round Up Committee receives applications, reviews them, and meets to make recommendations. In week six, letters are mailed to applicants to communicate decisions. Approved applicants receive a grant agreement with their notification letter. This structured timeline provides transparency and predictability for applicants while maintaining accountability for review standards. Eligibility is limited to charitable organizations serving residents within Kosciusko REMC service areas. Applicants may include 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, governmental entities, and public or private schools. The application requires supporting documentation that varies by organizational type. For nonprofit organizations and private schools, required attachments include an IRS determination letter, a list of board and staff with city or town of residence, and the most recent financial statements. Governmental bodies and churches must submit board and staff lists and financial documents. Schools must submit board lists, staff lists, and identify the specific school or school corporation impacted. All applicants must provide a signed authorization form and upload required documents through the online portal. The grant application includes detailed questions about organizational background, the project name, the amount requested, and a description of the project and its need. Applicants must demonstrate how the proposed project addresses a documented community need, explain implementation strategies, and outline who will carry out the project and their qualifications. Applicants are also asked to describe collaborations or partnerships, provide a start and end date for the project, and explain how project success will be measured. Information about the population served, including specific age groups, demographics, and geographic regions, must be provided along with projected numbers of people served. Applicants are also expected to outline feedback and evaluation processes, provide a detailed budget, and identify other sources of financial support for the project. Applications require itemized budgets that show project expenses and how requested funds will be applied. The budget section also requests disclosure of other sources of funding such as federal, state, or local government support, other foundations, donations, loans, or the organization’s own contributions. Applicants must demonstrate that total expenses equal total financial support. If a project is denied or only partially funded, applicants must explain how they will proceed. This requirement ensures that applicants demonstrate realistic planning and financial stewardship. Additionally, recipients must submit a final report within one year of receiving funds, which ensures accountability and provides the foundation with feedback on the impact of grants made. Grant seekers are encouraged to discuss their proposal with program staff prior to submission. Alex Hall, vice president of programs at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, is the primary contact for this program. Applicants are required to communicate with staff prior to application submission and should contact Alex Hall via email at alex@kcfoundation.org or by phone at 574-267-1901 to schedule a pre-grant conversation. This consultation ensures applicants have guidance on whether their proposal aligns with program goals and provides an opportunity to clarify eligibility or requirements. This personal review step underscores the fund’s intent to support applicants effectively and to ensure quality proposals reach the committee for review.