Southern Indiana Power is proud to announce that its members donated a total of $24,700 this spring to local charities, fire departments, youth initiatives, and community projects through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program.
Approximately 65% of Southern Indiana Power members participate by voluntarily rounding up their electric bills to the nearest dollar. That spare change adds up quickly, making a big impact across Southern Indiana. Since the program’s inception, more than $605,000 has been awarded to strengthen the communities the cooperative serves.
Funding decisions are made by a separate Operation Round Up board of trustees, comprised of co-op members. The board reviews applications and determines how funds are allocated each cycle.
The most recent recipients of Operation Round Up grants are:
Fire departments and emergency services
- Chrisney Volunteer Fire Department — $3,500 to purchase an 800 MHz radio with a microphone
- Saint Meinrad Volunteer Fire Department — $3,500 to buy a Kenwood 800 MHz/VHF multiband radio
- New Boston Fire Corporation — $2,000 to purchase 10 50-foot BIG 10 Double Jacket fire hoses and one G5 Band pager/charger
Community-based programs
- Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry — $2,500 to purchase blinds, curtains, and curtain rods
- Perry County Council on Aging — $2,400 to purchase an upright freezer for the William Tell Center
- Fulda Parks and Recreation — $3,000 for a sidewalk extension/walking trail and concrete work around concessions
Youth programs
- Lincoln Trail Elementary — $2,000 for a school-wide online subscription to Generation Genius for the 2025–2026 school year
- Lincoln Trail Elementary (fourth grade) — $2,800 to purchase a classroom robot kit and accessories for hands-on learning
2025 scholarship recipients – $500 each
- Madelynne Elmer — Western Kentucky University/Perry Central High School
- Jaelynn Etienne — Western Kentucky University/Perry Central High School
- Carson Guillaume — Western Kentucky University/Perry Central High School
- Elliot Rahman — Southern Illinois University/Heritage Hills High School
- Mia Waninger — University of Southern Indiana/Tell City High School
- Adam Wilhelmus — Western Kentucky University/South Spencer High School
“We’re incredibly grateful for our members who choose to round up each month,” said Steve Seibert, president/CEO. “These small contributions create powerful opportunities for local organizations and students.”
To learn more about Operation Round Up or enroll, visit southernindianapower.com, click “Community,” and then select “Operation Round Up.”
