Operation Round-Up: Helping our members help others

Through the Operation Round-Up Program, the NineStar Community Trust accumulates and distributes charitable funds to groups and organizations within our electric, communications, and water/wastewater service areas. The source of these funds is NineStar’s members who generously volunteer for their bills to be rounded up to the next highest dollar amount so they can donate the difference. Donations are accumulated by the co-op and transferred to NineStar Community Trust. Any group, organization, or charity with a primary mission that benefits a significant portion of NineStar’s membership is eligible for funds. The maximum amount available is $10,000 per annual request.

To apply:

• Download an Operation Round-Up application here, pick one up at either of the NineStar campuses, or contact us at 317-323-3087 and we will mail one to your organization.
• Mail the completed application to NineStar Connect, Attn: Operation Round-Up, 2243 East Main St., Greenfield, IN 46140.
• Questions? Email us at OperationRoundUp@NineStarConnect.com or call at 317-323-3087.
• Applications will be reviewed by a 15 member Board of Trustees, which meets at least quarterly. This year’s application deadlines are January 3, April 4, July 7 and October 3, 2025. Applications must arrive (by in person, mail or email) at the NineStar office by 5pm on the date specified to be considered for funding at the next meeting date.
• Applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision within 30 days following Board action on each application.   The 2025 meeting dates are February 6, May 1, August 7, and November 6.
• A note: Requests for political contributions or utility bill payments are not considered.

Current Operation Round Up trustees are:
John Collins, Karl Kleinbub, Martel Plummer, Tim Plank, Lynn Greenwalt, Ed James, Janice Johnston, Tammy White, Joe Kesterson, Karen Kovert, Linda Garrity, Esta Branch, Carol Seng, Sally Wlasuk, and Cheryl Morris.

The list of 2024 Operation Round-Up Recipients includes:

• Animal Outreach of Shelby County
• Bentley’s Buddies and Friends
• Boys and Girls Club of Morristown
• Changing Footprints
• Eastern Hancock Elementary School
• FCCLA at Greenfield-Central High School
• Fortville Area Resource Mission (FARM)
• FUSE
• Greenfield Community Aquatic Team
• Hancock County Community Corrections
• Hancock County Senior Services
• Indiana WISH
• Jackson-Blue River Township Fire Department
• JB Stephens Elementary, Camp Invention
• Maxwell Intermediate School
• Mohawk United Methodist Church
• More Than Conquerors
• Mt. Comfort Elementary, Camp Invention
• Mt. Vernon Marauder Youth Football
• New Palestine High School Robotic Team
• Purdue Extension Hancock County
• Shirley Volunteer Fire Department
• Wilkinson Police Department