Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up
Eligibility
Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in the YVEC service area in eastern Montana — primarily communities in the Yellowstone Valley region including Billings, Laurel, and surrounding rural areas.
Program Goals
YVEC Operation Round Up distributes member bill round-up funds to local schools and community organizations. Education, safety, and community programs are priorities. STEM programs, technology tools, and science equipment for local schools are eligible.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications through Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative. Contact YVEC directly at yvec.com for the current application form. September 1, 2026 deadline for the current cycle.
Cycle Notes
Annual cycle with a September 1, 2026 deadline. Apply early — contact YVEC before August to confirm application requirements.
Grant Award Amount
Up to $10,000 per grant. Larger award range than many cooperative round-up programs — makes YVEC especially attractive for mid-size classroom or school-wide STEM initiatives.
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
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eastern Montana communities does YVEC serve?
YVEC primarily serves the Yellowstone Valley including Billings, Laurel, and surrounding rural eastern Montana communities. Check yvec.com for the service territory.
What is the maximum award?
Up to $10,000 — one of the larger cooperative round-up grants available in Montana.
When is the deadline?
September 1, 2026. Apply well before the deadline to allow time for questions and submission.
What types of school projects are eligible?
Education, safety, and community programs. STEM kits, coding tools, and technology for classroom use are eligible.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide pricing, product information, and curriculum alignment documents to support YVEC grant applications.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Montana standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
