CUMMING — The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation is continuing its tradition of community giving through Operation Round Up, a member-supported program that helps fund nonprofits, schools, scholarships, and local assistance efforts across Sawnee EMC’s service area.

Since its founding in 2003, the Foundation has supported initiatives that strengthen the lives of individuals and families in the communities Sawnee EMC serves. Participation in Operation Round Up is voluntary, and each month participating member-owners allow their electric bill to be rounded up to the next whole dollar. The extra change is directed to the Foundation for charitable giving close to home.

At its May 26, 2026 meeting, the Sawnee Foundation awarded $55,708.97 in grants to support local organizations and community initiatives. Recipients included:

• Operation Appreciation, Inc. 
• Next Generation Youth Development, Inc. 
• Development Disabilities Ministries, Inc. 
• Bald Ridge Lodge, Inc. 
• Boys & Girls Club of Lanier, Inc.
• Cure Childhood Cancer, Inc.
• North Fulton Community Charities, Inc.
• Children’s Development Academy, Inc.
• The Summit Counseling Center, Inc.

In addition to these grants, the Foundation provided $7,500 for college-level scholarships through the Gwinnett Tech Foundation and $12,000 to the Dawson Community Food Bank to support its food assistance efforts. These contributions reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to meeting important needs throughout the region through member-supported generosity.

“This recent gifting reflects the generosity of our member-owners and the meaningful difference that small contributions can make when a community comes together,” said Mandy Love, Associate Vice President of Member Services at Sawnee EMC. “Through Operation Round Up, we are able to support organizations and programs that are meeting real needs and making a positive impact locally.”

Operation Round Up offers Sawnee EMC member-owners a simple way to make a lasting difference in the communities they call home. By choosing to round up their monthly electric bill to the next whole dollar, participating members contribute spare change that adds up to meaningful community support over time. That collective generosity makes it possible for the Sawnee Electric Foundation to support local nonprofits, scholarships, and assistance programs that directly benefit families and organizations across the service area. To enroll, members can visit sawnee.coop/oru or contact Sawnee EMC’s Customer Call Center at 770-887-2363, text 678-999-8124, or chat online at sawnee.coop.

About Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Electric Foundation 

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 203,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia.  The Sawnee Electric Foundation was created in 2003 with the mission of providing charitable donations within the Sawnee communities.  The Foundation exists to enhance the way of life for those in need, with financial assistance to selected charitable organizations. Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members/owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}