With the grants awarded by the Flint Energies Foundation at their March meeting, the Foundation has given more than $5 million to charitable organizations throughout Flint’s service territory. This milestone was reached thanks to Flint Energies Consumer-members who participate in the Operation Round Up® program.

Participating Members allow Flint Energies to round up their bill to the nearest dollar. On average, a Member will contribute $6 a year, but never more than $11.88. Donations to Operation Round Up are tax deductible and Members receive a summary of contributions in future January and February bills. To sign up to participate, Members may visit their account at www.flintenergies.com.

“I’ve learned that by everyone giving just a few cents a month through Operation Round Up, so much can be done to help our communities,” says Kathy Waites, Flint Energies Foundation Chair. “We operate under the premise of Members helping Members, and contributing is so crucial to making a difference.”

Made possible by the donation of just a few cents a month by thousands of Flint Energies Members, grants have been given to fire and police departments, schools, youth programs, agencies for the disabled, and other charitable organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Golden Olympics, Heart of Georgia Hospice and Boys and Girls Clubs. Since its founding in 2001, the Flint Foundation has awarded more than 1,300 grants to organizations across the Middle Georgia region.

“Operation Round Up has been an amazing partnership between Flint Energies Members and our community non-profits,” says Jennie Lacey, Flint’s Manager of Cooperative Communications. “Everyone’s small change adds up to a big impact across Middle Georgia.”

The Flint Energies Foundation, a state-chartered, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, disburses all contributions to approved projects; Member contributions are not used for administration costs. Foundation Board members include Chairman Kathy Waites, Fort Valley; Vice Chairman Joanne Hamlin, Lizella; Secretary Connie McCutchen, Midland; Treasurer John Luppino, Warner Robins; Gina Fink, Kathleen; Charles Harrison, Grovania; Pat Bartness, Warner Robins; Traci Kemp, Warner Robins; Rudy Killingsworth, Buena Vista; Eloise Doty, Butler and Betty Chase, Oglethorpe.

Funding applications are available by contacting Flint Energies at 1.800.342.3616 or visiting the My Community section of www.flintenergies.com.