Operation Round Up Grants (ND co-ops)
Eligibility
Schools and nonprofits in North Dakota electric cooperative service areas. Most rural ND schools are served by local electric cooperatives that participate in Operation Round Up. Contact your local co-op to confirm participation.
Program Goals
Operation Round Up distributes funds from member bill round-ups to local community organizations. Education, safety, health, and community programs at local schools are eligible. STEM and technology programs for rural students fit the community mission well.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through your local North Dakota electric cooperative. Each co-op administers Operation Round Up independently. Contact your local co-op's community affairs office for application details.
Cycle Notes
Varies by cooperative. Some ND co-ops have annual deadlines; others accept rolling applications. Contact your local cooperative for their specific timeline.
Grant Award Amount
Small community grants — amounts vary by cooperative and available funds. Typically $500-$5,000. Ideal for classroom starter kits and small program launches.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my local ND electric cooperative?
Visit ndrea.coop for a directory of North Dakota rural electric associations and cooperatives.
What is Operation Round Up?
A program where electric cooperative members round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The collected change is distributed as community grants.
What can the funds pay for?
Community and education programs. STEM kits, coding tools, and classroom technology are typical eligible purchases.
When is the deadline?
Varies by cooperative. Contact your local ND electric co-op for their specific timeline.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide program summaries and quotes sized for small cooperative grants.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — North Dakota standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
