MEA, members team up to build community

Never underestimate how a little spare change can make a big difference. That’s the essence of a humble program that has quietly been making the Mat-Su a better place to live for more than a decade now.Operation Round Up is a community-minded initiative of Matanuska Electric Association, the local member-owned cooperative that has provided reliable, affordable power to local homes and businesses for 80 years. The Round Up program allows anyone who pays an electric bill to support local nonprofits by rounding the total up to the next dollar each month when they pay their bill. The additional change goes directly to support grants to organizations and individuals in MEA’s service area, which spans roughly from Talkeetna to Glacier View and Eagle River. In effect since 2011, after a large majority of members approved its implementation, Operation Round Up is administered by the MEA Charitable Foundation, an all-volunteer group of MEA members who meet quarterly to review applications and award grants. Every penny collected stays local.Like many MEA member-owners, my wife and I have participated in the program from its beginning. It doesn’t get any easier to support local organizations that give back to the community. But until recently, I never gave a lot of thought to the few extra cents that went into the bill payment every month.

I did not know, for example, that the program has returned more than $1.9 million of member contributions to the community since its inception. From tennis courts in Palmer, to recycle bins in Willow, and a food bank in Eagle River, MEA member-owners’ contributions have enhanced the quality of life for residents. David Dahms, MEA Charitable Foundation board president summed up Round Up’s impact.

“I love seeing all the little ways pennies make a difference,” he said.

He’s right about those pennies. The maximum total contribution anyone can round up to over the course of 12 monthly bills is $11.88.Think about that. In 11 years, those tiny monthly round-ups have totaled almost $2 million.Part of that success is due to the impressive participation rate among MEA member-owners. After a slow start out of the gate in 2011, Operation Round Up now boasts an eye-popping 66 percent participation rate. That’s a solid testament to a community that believes in making the Mat-Su a better place for everyone.

Dahms said MEA’s participation rate is the among the highest in the country, compared with the many electric co-ops that have similar programs. He is rightfully proud of that success. He has been part of Operation Round Up since the beginning, when he served on the MEA Board of Directors and suggested the program. He said he likes that the program addresses needs that are unlikely to find a funding source elsewhere. The results are tangible.

“You can’t drive through the Valley without seeing things that member dollars have helped make a reality by simply rounding up,” Dahms said.

Recent projects that Round Up dollars have helped fund include the new Skeetawk ski area in Hatcher Pass and the new Settlers Bay coastal park expansion.

The diverse array of organizations that have benefitted from grants just this year include Mat-Su Concert Band, Love, Inc., Salvation Army, American Legion baseball, Food Bank of Alaska, Mat-Su Youth Court, and many others. A complete list of grant recipients and what each grant funded can be found online at https://global-uploads.webflow.com/5fb0ad9934bc7 925eff9ad65/ 6356dba bdcbbc9a9f022d47a_MEA%20Charitable%20Foundation%20Grant%20History%202022.pdf

From the beginning, one objective of the program was to keep the process easy for the nonprofits and individuals who apply for grants. Organizations are eligible for up to $10,000. Individuals can be granted up to $2,500. A two-and-a-half page application checks off the simplicity objective, but there are restrictions. Interested people can find out more at www.mea.coop/connect/operation-roundup.

On the cusp of a $2 million milestone, it’s still full steam ahead for Operation Round Up. And local folks have an opportunity to make an even bigger difference going forward.

Round Up Plus, launched without fanfare, now allows members to add another dollar or two – or more – to their monthly contribution. Just call MEA and the friendly folks in customer service will hook you up.

With Giving Tuesday and the end-of-year holidays on the horizon, what better and more convenient way is there to let your pennies make a difference in the community?

Mark Kelsey is a retired journalist who lives near Wasilla.