Local organizations werre recently recognized, as recipients of the first round of 2026 Operation RoundUp grants, awarding a collective $75,800 to support charitable projects throughout southeastern Indiana.
The grants will support a wide variety of community initiatives, including food assistance, education, youth development, public safety, emergency services, healthcare, and other charitable programs serving residents across the cooperative’s seven-county service area.
Of the total amount awarded, $25,000 was provided by Hoosier Energy, helping extend the reach and impact of the Operation RoundUp Program.
“Operation RoundUp is one of the most visible examples of the cooperative difference,” said B.J. Myers, Vice President of Communications & Creative Services and Operation RoundUp Program Coordinator. “Every grant awarded represents our members investing in the communities they call home. Together, we’re helping local organizations expand their impact and improve the quality of life throughout southeastern Indiana.”
Operation RoundUp is funded through voluntary contributions from Southeastern Indiana REMC members who round up their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar. Those donations are distributed by a volunteer Board of Trustees to charitable organizations serving Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties.
The following organizations received grants:
- Archaeological Research Institute, Inc.
- Batesville Pregnancy Hotline
- Brookville Volunteer Fire Department
- Court Appointed Advocates for Children, Inc.
- Crossroads Wesleyan Church
- East Central High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
- Good Samaritan Food Pantry
- Greater Visions Ministry, Inc.
- Greendale Police Department
- Hounds Pack – Brookville Elementary School
- Jefferson Craig Fire & Rescue
- Jefferson County Historical Society
- Laughery Valley Fish and Game Club Protective Association, Inc.
- Life Choices Clinic Madison Indiana
- Luke 4:18 Meal Program
- Madison Consolidated Schools Educational Foundation
- Milan Community Emergency Relief/Samaritan’s Hope Chest
- Milan Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
- Moorefield Community Fire Department #1, Inc.
- New Marion Volunteer Fire Department
- North Dearborn Pantry
- OCEMS Archery/RSHS Archery, Rising Sun Community Schools
- Ohio County Youth Development
- One Purpose Church, Inc.
- People Assisting Animals in Need
- Ripley County Emergency Management Agency
- Shelby Christian Church
- Southeast Indiana Youth Orchestra, Inc.
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
- Tails of Kindness Foundation, Inc.
- Versailles American Legion Post 173
- Versailles Lions Club
- Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County
The organizations recognized this year represent a diverse cross-section of community service providers, including volunteer fire departments, food pantries, schools, youth organizations, healthcare providers, historical societies and other nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout southeastern Indiana.
To learn more about the Operation RoundUp Program, view a list of grant recipients and the projects that were funded, or find information about future grant opportunities, visit www.seiremc.com/operationroundup.
