In August 2026, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $29,696.14 in grants to support local organizations and individuals. These grants, funded by thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, are part of Operation Round Up (ORU), a program focused on improving lives through direct community investment.

August beneficiaries

ORU grants aim to make a positive impact by strengthening community well-being through a variety of programs and services. This round of grants supported youth programs, food assistance, public safety, STEM education, health needs and other essential services.

Here’s how the funds were distributed:

Individual assistance

The board awarded individual grants to help three individuals receive glasses and one receive denture assistance. Grants also helped provide beds for two individuals transitioning from a group setting into homes of their own.

Organizations

Assistance League of Norman: Operation School Bell program, which provides support to local students

Royal Family Kids Camp: To assist with camp essentials and activities

Outrageous Love DBA Joe’s Addiction: To support free breakfast and lunch programs

Make-A-Wish: To help grant a wish for a local child living with a life-threatening illness

Newcastle Police Department: Equip patrol vehicles with first-aid kits and tourniquets

Royal Society of Robotics: Support student access to STEM materials and provide hands-on manufacturing and engineering experiences

How Operation Round Up works

Roughly 80% of OEC members participate in ORU, each contributing an average of $6 per year. Because of you, these small, voluntary donations add up to meaningful support for programs related to health, safety, education and quality of life. This impact shows the generosity and community spirit of our members.

Every application is reviewed by the nine-member OEC Foundation board of directors to ensure funds are allocated to efforts that make a lasting impact. Since the program began 33 years ago, ORU has distributed more than $7 million in support of food, shelter, medical care, education and more.

Apply for the next grant cycle

The next deadline to apply for ORU grants is Nov. 20, with funding decisions to be made at the Dec. 3 board meeting.

Apply for an Operation Round Up grant 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.

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.

In October 2025, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $58,150 in grants to support a wide range of local organizations and individuals. Funded by thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, these grants are part of Operation Round Up (ORU)—a program focused on improving lives through direct community investment.

October Beneficiaries

The latest round of grants supported efforts ranging from holiday meals to Special Olympics participation, care packages and fire department equipment. Here’s how the funds were distributed:

• The Virtue Center $2,500: community outreach programs.

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul, South Central District Council $12,000: Bed program providing beds to those in need.

• Bridge Creek Annual Food Baskets $2,500: To help purchase perishable and non-perishable food items for the annual Christmas food basket program.

• BACA International Inc – Central OK Chapter $2,500: Personalized care packages for children, including backpacks filled with branded items such as teddy bears, dog tags and bracelets.

• Special Olympics Oklahoma $1,000: Support for the Winter Games.

• Grady County Fire Department, Pocasset Station $4,000: To purchase two double-sided mobile gear racks.

• Fostering Futures $10,000: To purchase clothing and hygiene products to maintain inventory for the Luggage with Love program.

• The Willows Apartment – Working for Independent Living $2,050: Christmas meals and gifts for residents.

• Blanchard Special Olympic Games $1,500: Entry fees, uniforms, meals, equipment, bus drivers and gas.

• Lexington Fire Department $5,000: Twenty pairs of structural firefighting boots.

• Mission Norman $10,000: Turkeys for holiday giveaway.

Individual Assistance

In addition to the organizational grants, ORU provided assistance for four pairs of prescription glasses and one set of dentures for individuals in the community.

How It Works

Roughly 80% of OEC members participate in Operation Round Up, contributing an average of $6 per year. These small, voluntary donations add up to make a powerful impact, supporting critical programs related to health, safety, education and quality of life.

Every application is reviewed by a nine-member board of the OEC Foundation to ensure each grant goes to initiatives with meaningful, lasting benefits. Since the program began 32 years ago, ORU has distributed more than $5 million in support of food, shelter, medical care, education and more.

Next Grant Cycle

The next deadline to apply for Operation Round Up grants is January 23, with decisions to be made at the February 5 board meeting.

Apply at okcoop.org/oru.

For more information, contact Carrie Koesler at ORU@okcoop.org or call (405) 217-6726.

OEC is committed to supporting its members and communities, emphasizing its mission to positively impact lives through ORU.

In August 2025, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $53,550 in grants to support a wide range of local organizations and individuals. Funded by thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, these grants are part of Operation Round Up (ORU)—a program focused on improving lives through direct community investment.

August Beneficiaries

The latest round of grants supported projects ranging from emergency preparedness to historical education and health services. Here’s how the funds were distributed:

• Newcastle Emergency Management –$3,000: To purchase three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) with mounting hardware for Newcastle City Hall, the Newcastle Water Department and the Newcastle Community Storm Shelter.
• City Care – $3,000: Supplies to sustain and strengthen the Norman Night Shelter program.
• Hearts For Hearing – $10,000: Funding for hearing services for youth.
• Transition House Norman – $10,000: Assistance for multiple needs, including personal essentials, bedding, apartment supplies and holiday needs.
• Cleveland County Historical Society – $5,000: Support for public exhibits, children’s classes and camps, adult workshops, field trips and flexible community events.
• Assistance League – $10,000: For Operation School Bell, a program providing clothing and essentials to students in need.
• Able, Council for Developmental Disabilities –$10,000: To help install fire sprinkler systems in group homes.

Individual Assistance

In addition to the organizational grants, ORU provided funds for three pairs of prescription glasses and assistance with housing needs for individuals in the community.

How It Works

Roughly 80% of OEC members participate in Operation Round Up, contributing an average of $6 per year. These small, voluntary donations add up to make a powerful impact, supporting critical programs related to health, safety, education, and quality of life.

Every application is reviewed by a nine-member board of the OEC Foundation to ensure each grant goes to initiatives with meaningful, lasting benefits. Since the program began 32 years ago, ORU has distributed more than $5 million in support of food, shelter, medical care, education, and more.

Next Grant Cycle

The next deadline to apply for Operation Round Up grants is November 17, with decisions to be made at the December 4 board meeting. Apply at okcoop.org/oru.

For more information, contact Carrie Koesler at ORU@okcoop.org or call (405) 217-6726.

OEC is committed to supporting its members and communities, emphasizing its mission to positively impact lives through ORU.

In February 2025, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $48,685 in grants to a variety of local organizations and individuals. This initiative, sustained by the thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, supports Operation Round Up (ORU), a program dedicated to funding local charitable causes.

The February grants were allocated to several organizations focused on community welfare. Here’s a breakdown of the recipients and their initiatives:

February Beneficiaries

• Moore Youth and Family Services: $5,000

• Down Syndrome Association of Oklahoma: $5,000

• Noble Public Schools Police Department: $5,881.91

• Slaughterville Fire Department: $4,000

• Food & Shelter: $7,500

In addition to organizational grants, $21,300 was allocated to support individual needs, such as household furniture, hearing aids and medical assistance.

How It Works

About 80% of OEC members participate in rounding up their bills, contributing an average of $6 per year. These funds allow ORU to fuel critical programs that strengthen the community. Each application undergoes review by the nine-member OEC Foundation board, ensuring grants are awarded to initiatives with meaningful and lasting impacts.

Since its inception 32 years ago, ORU has awarded over $5 million in grants, supporting a wide range of services, including food, shelter, healthcare and education. The program’s support builds stronger, more interconnected communities.

For those in need of assistance or organizations interested in applying for ORU grants, the application process is ongoing. Applications submitted by May 19 will be reviewed at the next board meeting on June 5. For more information, contact Carrie Koesler at ORU@okcoop.org or call (405) 217-6726.

OEC is committed to supporting its members and communities, emphasizing its mission to positively impact lives through ORU.

In December 2024, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $55,487 in grants to a variety of local organizations and individuals. This initiative, sustained by the thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, supports Operation Round Up (ORU), a program dedicated to funding local charitable causes.

The December grants were allocated to several organizations focused on community welfare, and here’s a breakdown of the recipients and their initiatives:

December Beneficiaries

• Thunderbird Clubhouse/Cleveland Co Continuum of Care: $5,187
• Cavett Kids Foundation: $8,800
• Little Read Wagon: $2,000
• Paula M. & Bob D. Magarian Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner Foundation: $6,000
• Blanchard Fire Department: $4,000
• Autism Foundation of Oklahoma: $5,000
• McClain County Operation Christmas, Inc.: $2,000
• McClain-Garvin County Youth and Family Center, Inc. DBA Frontline Family Solutions: $10,000
• Grady County Foster Care: $2,500
• Neighborhood Services Organization, Inc.: $10,000

In addition to organizational grants, $1,750 was allocated to support individual needs, such as vision care, clothing and household items for families.

How It Works

About 80% of OEC members participate in rounding up their bills, contributing an average of $6 per year. These funds allow ORU to fuel critical programs that strengthen the community. Each application undergoes review by the nine-member OEC Foundation board, ensuring grants are awarded to initiatives with meaningful and lasting impacts.

The Long-Term Impact of Operation Round-Up

Since its inception 27 years ago, ORU has awarded over $5 million in grants, supporting a wide range of services, including food, shelter, healthcare and educational resources. The program’s support extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries, helping to build stronger, more interconnected communities.

Application Process and Deadlines

For those in need of assistance or organizations interested in applying for ORU grants, the application process is ongoing. Applications submitted by January 17 will be reviewed at the next board meeting on February 6. For more information, contact Carrie Koesler at ORU@okcoop.org or call (405) 217-6726

OEC remains committed to serving its members and communities, reinforcing its mission to make a positive impact through Operation Round Up.

In October 2024, the OEC Foundation board of directors approved $43,750 in grants to a variety of local organizations and individuals. This initiative, sustained by the thousands of OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, supports Operation Round Up (ORU), a program dedicated to funding local charitable causes.

The October grants were allocated to several organizations focused on community welfare, and here’s a breakdown of the recipients and their initiatives:

OCTOBER BENEFICIARIES

• The Willows Apartments- Working for Independence: $1,700 to provide Christmas gifts for disabled and low-income residents.
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul: $12,000 toward a bed program that ensures those in need have access to beds.
• American Red Cross: $10,000 to aid in alleviating human suffering through various relief services.
• Lexington High School Choir: $2,000 to cover transportation costs for an upcoming contest.
• Amber Fire Department: $4,000 for the replacement of radio harness straps, essential for communication during emergencies.
• Special Olympics Oklahoma: $1,000 to support various program initiatives.
• Blanchard Public Schools Special Olympics: $1,500 for entry fees, uniforms, and equipment for the athletes.
• Mission Norman: $5,000 to provide Thanksgiving turkeys for families in need.
• In addition to organizational grants, $6,550 was allocated to support individual needs, such as vision care and assistance for families whose homes were damaged by a recent storm.

How It Works

About 80% of OEC members participate in rounding up their bills, contributing an average of $6 per year. These funds allow ORU to fuel critical programs that strengthen the community. Each application undergoes review by the nine-member OEC Foundation board, ensuring grants are awarded to initiatives with meaningful and lasting impacts.

Since its inception 27 years ago, ORU has awarded over $5 million in grants, supporting a wide range of services, including food, shelter, healthcare and educational resources. The program’s support extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries, helping to build stronger, more interconnected communities.

For those in need of assistance or organizations interested in applying for ORU grants, the application process is ongoing. Applications submitted by November 18 will be reviewed at the next board meeting in December. For more information, contact Carrie Koesler at ORU@okcoop.org or call (405) 217-6726

OEC remains committed to serving its members and communities, reinforcing its mission to make a positive impact through Operation Round Up.