PROGRAM INFORMATION

At Ozark Electric, we believe that when neighbors come together, even the smallest actions can make a significant impact. We're proud to introduce the Ozark Electric Community Foundation (OECF), a non-profit organization funded by members through small bill round ups, turning extra change from everyday bills into opportunities for good. As a member-owned cooperative, our purpose extends far beyond providing safe and reliable power; we exist to serve others and improve quality of life throughout our service area. This grant program will benefit local non-profits, civic organizations, local teachers, and provide additional funds for our college/trade school scholarship program. Together, we can create stronger communities... one penny at a time.  Over half of the electric cooperatives in Missouri participate in a round up or community giving program. These programs have generated more than $42 million for non-profits, organizations, teachers, and individuals in need.


Beginning with the September 2026 billing cycle, Ozark Electric members will be automatically enrolled in this round up program. In the program, electric bills are rounded to the nearest dollar, with the extra change placed into the Ozark Electric Community Foundation fund. For example, if your monthly bill is $87.43, your bill will be an even $88.00 with the extra $0.57 going towards various goodwill causes within the communities that OEC serves. On average, a member will contribute just $6.00 PER YEAR. Members will have the option to give more through a one-time or recurring donation or you may easily opt-out of the program by submitting the Opt-Out Form at the bottom of this page or by reaching out to our Member Services team (see "opt-out" section below).


The Ozark Electric Community Foundation (OECF) will be governed by a separate Community Foundation Board of Trustees made up of nine (9) volunteers, one from each of the nine (9) districts we serve. OECF Board of Trustees members must be an Ozark Electric member. Organizations seeking assistance through the OECF program will need to fill out an application to be reviewed by the OECF Board of Trustees. This committee decides how the money is disbursed, based upon need, and 100% of your donations will be used to help others.


We can't wait to share all of the amazing individuals and organizations that will benefit from this incredible program!

GUIDELINES & APPLICATIONS

Guidelines and applications for each grant category can be found below, or at the following links:


OPT-OUT

To opt-out of the round-up program, please use the Opt-Out Form at the bottom of this page. You can also CLICK HERE to e-mail the Member Services team. Please provide your first and last name/business name and account #.


QUESTIONS?

Visit the FAQ section at the bottom of the page!

PROGRAM GUIDELINES & APPLICATIONS

MEET YOUR OZARK ELECTRIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Community Foundation Board of Trustees oversees the program and reviews all applications to ensure funds are used responsibly and align with the Foundation's mission. The OECF Board of Trustees is made up of nine (9) members, one from each district within our service area. The Board of Trustees follows established bylaws and reviews each request carefully to ensure funds are used responsibly and for intended purposes.

Back row, L to R: Dennis Barnicle (District 4); Tim Selvey - Secretary (District 3); Garrett Hadlock - Vice President (District 5); Jordan Lewallen (District 8); Steve Verheyen - President (District 9). Front row, L to R: Sami White (District 6); Cindy Gulick (District 2); Andrea Swope (District 7); Pat Killingsworth - Treasurer (District 1).

PAT KILLINGSWORTH

PAT KILLINGSWORTH

District 1 / Treasurer

Bio coming soon

CINDY GULICK

CINDY GULICK

District 2

A short bio goes here.

TIM SELVEY

TIM SELVEY

District 3 / Secretary

Tim was born and raised in southwest Missouri and has been a member of OEC for 36 years. He served as a Trooper for the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 34 years and as a Lawrence County Commissioner for 8 years. He is excited to help individuals and organizations in the area with much-needed financial assistance and understands the responsibility of the OECF board to disperse these funds wisely.

DENNIS BARNICLE

DENNIS BARNICLE

District 4

Bio coming soon

GARRETT HADLOCK

GARRETT HADLOCK

District 5 / Vice President

Bio coming soon

SAMI WHITE

SAMI WHITE

District 6

Bio coming soon

ANDREA SWOPE

ANDREA SWOPE

District 7

Andrea has served as the Executive Director of CC Links since 2012 and has 28 years of experience working in the disability services field. Her experience has given her a strong background in organizational leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, advocacy, and community partnerships. She is honored to bring her perspective, experience, and commitment to community service to the OECF Board of Trustees.

JORDAN LEWALLEN

JORDAN LEWALLEN

District 8

Bio coming soon

STEVE VERHEYEN

STEVE VERHEYEN

District 9 / President

Bio coming soon

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Do other cooperatives participate in this program?

    Yes! Over half of Missouri's electric cooperatives, and hundreds across the country, participate in a round-up program. These programs have generated over $42 million for non-profits, civic organizatons, teachers, students, and individuals in need.

  • Are members automatically enrolled?

    Yes, Ozark Electric members were automatically enrolled in this program beginning with the September 2026 billing cycle. 

  • Why did Ozark Electric choose to automatically enroll all members?

    After much consideration, the Board of Directors chose this method based upon information received from other cooperatives that have implemented a similar program. We truly believe the majority of our members will find this program to be worthwhile and choose to continue participating. Members may opt-out of the program at any time. 

  • I have multiple accounts. Will every bill be rounded up?

    Only the primary/main account will be automatically opted-in. The member may choose to opt-in other accounts.

  • Who decides how the money is distributed?

    A Community Foundation Board of Trustees will oversee the program and review all applications to ensure funds are used responsibly and align with the Foundation's mission. The OECF Board of Trustees is made up of nine (9) members, one from each district within our service area. 

  • Does Ozark Electric keep any of the funds?

    No! Funds stay within the Foundation. A small amount (less than 1%) may be used for administrative costs, but those costs are kept minimal so the majority goes directly back into the communities we serve. 

  • How do I know the funds are used appropriately?

    The Board of Trustees follows established bylaws and reviews each request carefully to ensure funds are used responsibly and for intended purposes. In addition, the Foundation will be reviewed during OEC's annual audit. 

  • Can I donate more?

    Absolutely! Members can choose to make additional one-time or recurring donations. 

  • How can I opt-out of this program?

    Members may opt-out at any time by submitting the Opt-Out Form at the bottom of this page, by e-mailing the Member Services team at memberservices@ozarkelectric.com, or by calling one of our Billing Services Representatives at 417.466.2144.

  • Can I choose to opt back into the program?

    Yes! Members can re-enroll at any time through SmartHub or by speaking with a Billing Services Representative at 417.466.2144.

  • Is the extra change considered a donation or a fee?

    It is a voluntary donation, not a fee. Members can choose to participate or op-out at any time.

  • Can I see how much I've donated?

    Yes, members can view their contribution history in SmartHub.

  • Can individual members/families apply for assistance?

    Yes, OEC members can apply for support through the Foundation. Support may include emergency financial help and medical-related needs.

Opt-Out