For more than 25 years, the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation has quietly carried out a simple but powerful mission: to help improve the lives of CCEC members and the communities the co-op serves. Since its founding in 1999, the Foundation has distributed more than $4 million in charitable assistance, making a lasting difference across our service area through the generosity of CCEC members.
How the Foundation began
The Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation was established through Operation RoundUP, a voluntary program that allows members to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. Those small contributions are pooled together to support neighbors in need and various community programs. What began as a modest effort has grown into a trusted source of funding for programs and initiatives that strengthen our communities.
Making an Impact, One Story at a Time
Over the years, grants and funding have helped provide housing and utility assistance, support food assistance programs, and strengthen local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation also invests in education and youth development through college scholarships, Bright Ideas Education Grants for local teachers, Youth Tour sponsorships, and support for various community events that bring people together and improve quality of life across our service area.
Behind every dollar distributed is a story of hope made possible because members chose to round up their bills by just a few cents each month. The Foundation regularly receives letters and updates from recipients that reflect the real and lasting impact of Operation RoundUP.
Small Change, Changing Lives
The Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation’s work is made possible entirely through member participation in Operation RoundUP. While each individual contribution is small, together they have added up to more than $4 million in support for neighbors, students, educators and community organizations—demonstrating the power of community working together.
The Foundation’s success is guided by a dedicated board of community volunteers who generously donate their time and expertise to review applications and ensure responsible stewardship of member donations. Their commitment helps ensure that funds are directed where they are needed most.
Thank You for Making a Difference
To every member who participates in Operation RoundUP, thank you. Your generosity has strengthened organizations, expanded educational opportunities, supported community initiatives and helped neighbors through difficult moments. Together, we continue to live out the cooperative principle of Concern for Community, one small contribution at a time.
To learn more about Operation RoundUP, visit ccemc.com/community. To enroll in Operation RoundUP, click here.