It’s a new school year and the Sawnee Electric Foundation is looking to remind teachers and students about their available programs.
“Sawnee EMC is an electric cooperative, and one of the seven defining cooperative principles is Concern for Community,” Mandy Love, Director of Marketing said. “The Sawnee Electric Foundation is the community arm of Sawnee EMC, and we are proud to support those who are doing positive work in our communities."
Sawnee EMC members have the option to participate in Operation Round Up. By enrolling in the program, members round up their monthly bill automatically to the next highest dollar or choose to donate any amount at their convenience. 100% of the donations received through Operation Round Up are returned to the communities that Sawnee EMC serves through the Foundation.
High school seniors, teachers and non-profit organizations can submit an application. Those interested can learn more about the Sawnee Electric Foundation by contacting Mandy Love at 678-455-1579 or emailing [email protected].
Each month, approximately 14,500 Sawnee EMC members round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar. This extra change goes directly to the Sawnee Foundation and these donations have allowed the Foundation Board to donate over $4.7 million back into local communities since its inception in 2003.
Below are some of the programs offered:
- Bright Ideas – A grant program that is available to Georgia-certified teachers within the Sawnee seven-county service area. Teachers can apply for a classroom grant, up to $1,750, to implement an innovative program or project that might otherwise go unfunded. Teachers cano apply online at sawnee.coop/foundation-round-up. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Foundation Board of Directors and are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Youth Scholarship Program – The Sawnee Electric Foundation 2025 Youth Scholarship Program is open for applications. To be eligible, the student must be a high school senior and his/her permanent residence must receive electrical service from Sawnee EMC. Full details and limitations, as well as the application, are available online at sawnee.coop/scholarships. The deadline to submit an application is Jan. 10, 2025. In addition to the program above, the Foundation supports local non-profit organizations through a general grant process.
- General Charitable Grants – Non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organizations can apply for a grant from the Sawnee Electric Foundation. This vein of the Foundation helps those that help others in the communities within Sawnee EMC’s service area. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Foundation Board of Directors and are accepted on a rolling basis.