Operation Round Up Grant Program

Program Description: The Clay Electric Foundation approves grants throughout the year from the Operation Round Up program. This program receives funding from unclaimed money and member contributions that are rounded up on their electric bills.

Geographic Scope

Serves multiple counties in North Central and Northeast Florida, including:

• Alachua County
• Bradford County
• Clay County
• Columbia County
• Marion County
• Putnam County
• Union County
• Suwannee County
• Baker County
• Lake County
• Volusia County
• Levy County
• Gilchrist County
• And other areas served by Clay Electric

Funding Focus Areas

Based on historical grants awarded (2017-2019), the foundation supports:

Charitable & Social Services

• Domestic violence centers
• Food banks and food rescue programs
• Homeless assistance programs
• Emergency financial assistance for vulnerable populations
• Senior services
• Disability services
• Mental health and substance abuse services

Youth & Education

• Youth programs and organizations
• Educational facilities and equipment
• STEM programs
• Scholarship funds for youth
• Youth recreational activities
• Boys & Girls Scouts
• After-school programs
• School enrichment programs

Community Infrastructure

• Volunteer fire departments
• Emergency response equipment
• Community centers and facilities
• Parks and playgrounds
• Library improvements

Veteran Services

• Veteran support organizations
• Military memorials
• Equine therapy for PTSD
• Veteran financial assistance
• Military museums

Healthcare & Hospice

• Hospice services
• Healthcare facility improvements
• Medical equipment

Arts & Culture

• Art centers and galleries
• Historic preservation
• Cultural organizations

Agriculture & Environment

• Agricultural education
• Outdoor education programs

Award Amounts

Historical awards have ranged from $1,500 to $15,000+ depending on the project and application review.

Application Timeline

The Foundation Board reviews applications on a rolling basis with approval meetings held approximately quarterly (March, June, September, December based on 2017-2019 records).

What They Don't Fund

Based on historical patterns, the foundation does not appear to fund:

• Individual charitable contributions unrelated to community benefit
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Projects outside their service area
• For-profit businesses

Contact Information

District Offices:

• Keystone Heights: 65 SW Citrus Avenue, P.O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, FL 32656-0308, (352) 473-4917, FAX (352) 473-1403
• Gainesville: 11530 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606, (352) 372-8543, FAX (352) 337-8117
• Lake City: 1797 SW SR 47, Lake City, FL 32025-2935, (386) 752-7447, FAX (386) 961-0117
• Orange Park: 734 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065-5798, (904) 272-2456, FAX (904) 276-6733
• Palatka: 300 North State Road 19, Palatka, FL 32177-2498, (386) 328-1432, FAX (386) 312-4017
• Salt Springs: P.O. Box 5500, 25180 E. County Road 316, Salt Springs, FL 32134-5500, (352) 685-2111, FAX (352) 685-4217

Office hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Application Process

1. Contact local Clay Electric district office to request Operation Round Up Grant application materials
2. Complete grant application form with detailed project information
3. Submit application to Foundation Board for review
4. Board approval: Applications are reviewed at regular board meetings held quarterly (approximately March, June, September, and December)

Required Materials (based on historical applications)

• Completed grant application form
• Organization name and mission statement
• Project description and justification
• Detailed budget and project timeline
• Documentation of nonprofit status (501(c)(3) or equivalent)
• Organization's impact and community benefit
• Contact information for organization representative
• Evidence of how funds will be used
• Community need statement

Narrative Questions

Applications typically require description of:

• Specific project or initiative being funded
• How the project benefits the community
• Geographic area served
• Population or community members impacted
• Project timeline and budget breakdown
• Organization's qualifications and experience

Review & Selection Process

• Applications are reviewed by Clay Electric Foundation Board
• Board meets quarterly to approve grants
• Awards are made based on community impact and alignment with Foundation mission