Flathead Electric Co-op members surpass $5 million mark in giving to Roundup for Safety

Flathead Electric Co-op's member giving program this spring exceeded $5 million in contributions.  

In 1997, Flathead Electric Cooperative doubled down on its guiding business principle of “concern for community” and launched a program to improve safety in its service area. The co-op dubbed it Roundup for Safety and appointed a board to get the program off the ground.   

Next, cooperative members volunteered to allow their electric bills to be rounded up to support community safety projects. For example, a bill of $55.01 or $55.99 is rounded up to $56. Over each year, most members end up contributing about $6 to Roundup for Safety.  

Today, nearly 69% of Flathead members participate in the Roundup for Safety program. Currently, contributions total about $21,000 per month.    

Co-op Community Relations Manager Katie Pfennigs said member participation in the program has steadily increased over 27 years.  

“We even saw support and growth continue during the uncertainty of 2020, which was especially heartwarming,” she said. “I thought members might choose to pause their giving, but instead, Roundup reached the $4 million mark in spring 2020, while many people were at home.”  

“I never dreamed we would hit another million-dollar milestone four short years later, but we’ve had a population boom in Northwest Montana, and those new members are just as generous with the Roundup for Safety program as our multi-generation members,” she added.   

After members round up their bills, the Roundup for Safety Board of Directors considers project proposals from local nonprofit organizations. The directors are independent of the co-op and its board of trustees. They are often involved with the nonprofit groups from the inception of the proposed safety projects, brainstorming ideas with nonprofit leaders to determine appropriateness, adherence to the group’s bylaws, and scope.   

The board asks how many co-op members might be positively impacted by a project and encourages the nonprofits to partner up with other community groups for project buy-in before a formal proposal is made. Funding requests frequently exceed the amount of funding available each month, so directors also help nonprofit groups think about other organizations that might be able to contribute funding.  

Board President Bill Leininger said it’s a privilege to serve on the Roundup board.  

“We get to meet leaders from many of the organizations that make the valley a wonderful place to live, hear about exciting upcoming projects, and (often) award them grants,” he said. “I think Roundup is a strong example of Montana community at its finest.”   

Over the years, Roundup for Safety projects have impacted countless people in the co-op’s service area, serving millions of tourists annually. AEDs, a frequent request, are found all over the greater Flathead Valley. Volunteer fire departments have replaced turnout gear within a safe time frame.  

Schools have safer lighting, fire suppression systems, and sports equipment. Camps offer modern life jackets and climbing equipment to their campers.  

Police departments have purchased critical equipment they lack funding for, like trauma bags, ballistic shields, and drones. Bike helmets are distributed at no cost to area youth each spring. Multiple food banks have secured backup generators to ensure the safety of their food supply for the community’s most vulnerable members. 

For information about Roundup for Safety, visit www.flatheadelectric.com or contact Courtney Stone at c.stone@flathead.coop.