LINDEN, Ind. – The arts, veterans and people who are homeless or have mental or physical disabilities are benefiting from the latest round of grants from Tipmont REMC’s Operation Round Up.

The electric cooperative recently awarded $13,372.54 to nine nonprofits in three area counties.

In Clinton County, Camp Cullom received $3,450 for a riding lawnmower.

In Montgomery County, Abilities Services Inc. is using its $3,335.60 to purchase furniture for outdoor programming; and Pam’s Promise Transitional Housing Corp. received $450 for a vacuum and rug cleaner.

Tippecanoe County nonprofits receiving grants are:

§         Art Museum of Greater Lafayette , $1,454.94, for a television monitor and accessories to display student artwork

§         Back Chorale Singers Inc., $300 for you performers’ uniform accessories

§         Dream Season Inc., $497 for shirts for campers with disabilities

§         Gold Star Mothers, Lafayette Chapter, $2,000 for t-shirts for veterans participating in the honor flight project

§         National Alliance on Mental Illness, $1,385 for laptop computer and software

§         Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society, $500 for supplies for “Concert to Go” performances for elementary school students.

“All of the money we award in grants is collected from our members who allow us to round up their monthly bills to the next-highest dollar,” said Tim McCarthy, chief executive officer. In all, about 9,000 members participate in the program.

“By combining these small amounts in one pool, we can make some sizable investments in local community groups,” McCarty said. “That’s the appeal—combining pennies and helping locally.”

Grants go to qualifying 501(c)3 groups from Clinton , Fountain, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.

Since Tipmont launched the program in 1999, Operation Round Up has funded 391 grants totaling $806,387.57.

A volunteer board administers the funds; Tipmont REMC contributes administrative costs.

Tipmont also contributes to the community through its EnviroWatts green power program, which funds environmental projects. The two funds combined have awarded nearly $1.2 million since they began.

The application deadline for the next Operation Round Up giving cycle is Monday, Oct. 1. Nonprofit organizations in Tipmont’s service area who are interested in applying for funds may obtain an application online at www.tipmont.org or call 1-800-726-3953.