$300,000 Donated To Non-Profits By Sawnee Membership Foundation

CUMMING, GA -- Local non-profits are busier than ever helping residents in the community with rent, clothing, food and educational resources. This is possible, in part, because of generous donations from people like Sawnee EMC members who participate in the Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up Program. They voluntarily round up their Sawnee bill, donating the extra change to the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation, in order to enrich the lives of others.

In 2018 alone, through its Operation Round Up program, the Foundation awarded $125,472 to local charitable organizations, $29,111.78 toward its Bright Ideas programs and $147,000 scholarships.

In 2003, Sawnee EMC adopted an innovative program called Operation Round Up, which was founded by Palmetto Electric in South Carolina in 1989. Since the start of the program, Palmetto Electric has been able to give over $3.8 million back to the communities they serve. The staff of Sawnee EMC took the same idea and applied it to its service area.

As an Operation Round Up participant, the donations are tax deductible and only go to 501 (c) (3) and 501 (c) (4) organizations. Participating members will donate an average of $6 a year. For instance, if your bill is $41.20, it will be "rounded up" to $42, with the additional 80 cents going into the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation. If you are on budget billing, your bill will be rounded up $1.

This program is overseen by an independent Board of Directors and 100 percent of the donated funds stay in our communities. This board of volunteers reviews applications and distributes the funds.