By Natalie Bradley, Community Connections Specialist
When it comes to making a difference, sometimes the smallest actions can have the greatest impact, and that’s what makes the Flint Energies Foundation and the Operation Round Up Program so powerful. This program is proof that collective generosity can transform lives, empower schools, and strengthen communities.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with our Flint Energies Foundation Chair, Joanne Hamlin, Vice President of Cooperative Communications, Marian McLemore, and Manager of Executive Services, Heather Nipper, three passionate advocates for the Foundation. Together, they shared the incredible ways Flint Energies Foundation is turning pocket change into progress.
What is Operation Round Up?
At its heart, the Flint Energies Foundation is a nonprofit organization fueled by the community, for the community. Its cornerstone, Operation Round Up, invites Flint Energies members to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar. That spare change is pooled together, creating a fund used to provide grants to schools, nonprofits, and local governments across our 17-county service area.
Here’s the most amazing part: since its inception in 2001, the Foundation has awarded over $10.4 million in grants. This year alone, they’ve given out a staggering $1.6 million—and no one member contributes more than $11.88 annually.
“This program is about the power of numbers,” McLemore shared. “It’s about all of us coming together to make a bigger impact than we could individually. For just a few dollars a year, members are part of something monumental.”
Where Does the Money Go?
The Foundation ensures every penny makes a difference. Funds are distributed directly into the communities Flint Energies serves, without being drained by administrative costs. Board members are volunteers, and grant applications undergo a vetting process to ensure the money is used wisely and appropriately.
Over the years, Operation Round Up has funded:
- Teachers and Schools: Since 2006, the Bright Ideas program has awarded up to $1,500 per teacher for creative lesson plans, up to $25,000 per year. In 2024 alone, every school in Flint’s service area received funding, with $605,000 donated to boost morale.
- First Responders: In 2022 and 2023, the Foundation donated $250,000 to law enforcement and fire departments, respectively.
- Community Initiatives and Organizations: Grants have supported everything from local governments to nonprofits making a direct impact in our neighborhoods.
“It’s amazing to see how far the dollars go,” Hamlin said. “We hear so many stories from the organizations we fund—stories that make us laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to our community.”
Why Participate?
Currently, only 38% of Flint Energies members are enrolled in Operation Roundup. Imagine the potential if that number climbed even higher.
“Think about it—just $6 a year on average per person,” Nipper noted. “Yet, collectively, we’re changing lives.”
Small hinges open big doors, and with more members, those doors could be even bigger. By participating, you become part of a movement that bridges gaps in education, supports first responders, and uplifts entire communities. How many people can say they gave $11.88 in a year and were part of giving over a million dollars? That’s an incredible return on investment.
Get Involved Today
It’s easy to be part of this life-changing effort. Sign up for Operation Round Up at FlintEnergies.com/ORU or, if you’re part of an organization in need of support, submit a grant application at FlintEnergies.com/ORUgrant
The Flint Energies Foundation proves that small change, when combined with big hearts, can create monumental change. Join the movement today and see just how far your pennies can go!
Together, we’re making our communities stronger—one rounded-up bill at a time.
Listen to the whole conversation on our podcast, “Front Porch Chats” on Apple or Spotify.
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