PURPOSE
Funds for Operation Round-Up™ are voluntarily donated by FreeState Electric Cooperative member-owners. Contributions will be used in the local area served by the Cooperative for charitable purposes.
ELIGIBILITY
Contributions will generally be made to non-profit, civic, or community -based organizations that demonstrate a commitment to enhance the quality of life in the region. Contributions can only be made to a section 501(c)(3) organization is classified as a public charity. A municipality can qualify.
Organizations MUST provide an IRS designation letter dated no more than three years ago. Organizations who do not provide this paperwork will be delayed or disqualified from receiving a grant.
Municipalities must provide documentation, as well as prove a need that impacts community/public safety.
Projects should fit in one or more of these categories:
- Service of Others
- Provide Basic Needs
- Community Empowerment or Improvement
- Education or Youth Programming
- Helping Others
Applications must be submitted on Official FreeState Electric Cooperative Operation Round-Up™ Application digital forms. Paper forms will not be accepted.
RESTRICTIONS
Contributions will generally be made to non-profit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under IRS Code Section 501 (c) (3).
Contributions will not be made for:- Lobbying, political organizations, or highly sensitive/controversial events.
- Fraternal and labor organizations
- Fundraising dinners, raffles, and other events.
- Capital fund campaigns.
- National fund drives.
- Advertising.
- Ongoing operational expenses.
Grants will not normally exceed $10,000 for any one group, organization, or charity
EVALUATION FACTORS
The following factors will be considered in the evaluation of funding requests:
- Potential benefit to area residents and the entire community.
- Level of community support for the program or project.
- Administrative capability of the organization to deliver quality service or program.
- Results are predictable and can be evaluated.
REQUIREMENTS/CHECKLIST
Applications not meeting all these requirements will not be considered.
- Completed digital application form.
- Completed budget information showing how requested funds will be spent.
- If including bids for a project, please include at least two bids. You may also include any quotes or pricing, etc.).
- Copy of 501(c) (3) or non-profit status letter (letter of determination from the IRS). This letter must be dated after 2020.
- KS SOS business entity ID number.
- FEIN
- Most recent IRS 990 form or postcard.
- Upload other information, like photos, flyers, or other information that will assist the committee in determining need for your organization.
- If you are an organization utilizing another organization's status to apply for this funding, a formal memo of understanding must be uploaded with this application. For example, if you are a school organization utilizing a community foundation, you need to upload a formal memo of understanding from the community foundation that states they are aware you are utilizing their 501 (c) 3 designation to apply. If you have questions about the memo of understanding, contact us. We are happy to help clarify.