Southwest Rural Electric has awarded grant funds to organizations in its service area since 2018 thanks to the Operation Round Up Program. Grant distributions are made possible by SWRE members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest whole dollar. Enrolled members donate an average of 50 cents a month, which is about $6 a year, and funds accumulated over the year are given to local organizations and nonprofits.
Southwest Rural Electric awarded a total of $45,000 to the following 17 organizations and groups in 2025:
- Altus Salvation Army
- Davidson Volunteer Fire Department
- Electra Volunteer Fire Department
- First Methodist Church Vernon Mission Kitchen
- Grace Child Development Center
- Nehemiah Initiative of Altus
- Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries of Jackson County
- Southern Kiowa Food Pantry
- Texoma Weather and Media
- Tillman County Food Bank Foundation
- Tipton Chamber of Commerce
- Tipton Public Schools - English Language Learners
- Tipton Senior Citizens Center
- Vernon Meals on Wheels
- Warren Senior Citizens
- Wilbarger County Child Welfare Board
- Wilbarger Street Church of Christ Food Pantry
Since the foundation launched, ORU has given $354,888 back to SWRE communities.
SWRE members who are not enrolled in ORU can begin rounding up their bill at any time. Currently enrolled members are invited to join ORU Plus, where they can give beyond the monthly rounded-up change and customize their donation to $5, $10 or more each month.
Call member services at 1-800-256-7973 to join SWRE in giving back.