Change Makes Change — Feb. 26 | OEC News

In December 2025, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $87,050 in community grants to support local organizations and individuals across Oklahoma. Funded by thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, these charitable grants are part of Operation Round Up (ORU) — a member-driven philanthropy program focused on improving lives through direct community investment.

December Beneficiaries

ORU grants aim to foster a lasting positive impact by enhancing community well-being through various nonprofit services and outreach programs. This round of funding supported holiday assistance, youth outreach, disaster response, oral health care access and other essential community needs.

Organizations

• Picks Promise – $10,000: Provides each child on the program’s list with clothing essentials and two gift items.
• Neighborhood Services Organization – $10,000: Supports the Oral Health Outreach Program.
• Not Your Average Joe – $5,000: Funds adaptive equipment that automates grinding, dosing and tamping to remove physical barriers for employees.
• Crossroads Youth and Family Services – $10,000: Supports educational experiences, additional needs and the summer life skills program.
• Frontline Family Solutions – $10,000: Provides Christmas gifts and food baskets in McClain and south Cleveland Counties.
• Grady County Foster Care – $2,500: Provides Christmas presents and essential items for foster children.
• Pauls M. and Bob D. Magarian Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner Foundation, Inc. – $10,000: Supports the 39th Annual Christmas Day Dinner as the organization faces higher costs and increased community need.
• Autism Foundation of Oklahoma – $6,500: Covers venue rentals, admission and activity fees, meals, materials and participation in community events.
• OKC Metro Alliance – $5,000: Assists individuals with recovery resources and alternatives to incarceration.
• American Red Cross – $10,000: Supports disaster response and recovery efforts across local communities.
• Little Read Wagon – $2,000: Purchases 400 new picture books for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten readers at four Head Start locations.

These community grants highlight the diverse ways Oklahoma nonprofits serve children, families, and individuals in need — especially during the holiday season.

Individual Assistance

• Christmas gifts
• Mattresses and bedding for four households
• Three pairs of prescription glasses
• Two dental or denture assistance cases

How It Works

Roughly 80% of OEC members participate in Operation Round Up, contributing an average of $6 per year. Because of you, these small, voluntary donations create big impact — offering meaningful support for programs focused on health, safety, education and quality of life. This incredible reach is a testament to the generosity and community spirit in Oklahoma.

Every application is reviewed by a nine-member board of the OEC Foundation, ensuring funds are directed toward efforts that provide long-term community support. Since its inception 32 years ago, ORU has granted more than $5 million to projects supporting food, shelter, medical care, education and more across rural Oklahoma.

Next Grant Cycle

The next deadline to apply for ORU community grants is March 23, with decisions to be made at the April 2 board meeting. Apply at okcoop.org/oru.

For more information or to apply, contact Carrie Koesler at ORU@okcoop.org or call (405) 217-6726. Together, we power brighter communities.