On-Bill Donations are voluntary payments from utility customers to a dedicated fund,
foundation or trust that uses funds for specified healthy watershed projects.
Quick Facts
Community Mission When implementing a donation program be sure to show your community how these donations
help you meet your community’s mission.
Cost to the Community There is no cost to the community other than the voluntary funds provided by those
that “opt in.”
Cost to the Utility or Community No general funds or utility funds are provided directly to the donation program other
than time and effort to manage the program.
On-Bill Donations are voluntary, potentially recurring, donations by utility customers that they pay
alongside their monthly utility bill. The funds are remitted to a foundation, charity,
trust or community action agency to disburse as indicted by an ordinance, bylaw or
resolution.
Some donation programs are “opt-in” programs, and others, through bylaws adoption,
are “opt-out.” Cuivre River Electric has an opt-out program, and 90% of the 62,500
member customers participate in the Round Up program which has raised more than $5
million.
Typically, donations align with the mission of the stormwater program, but also positively
impacts disadvantaged communities or the community as a whole (educational programs,
etc.). When implementing a donation program be sure that it only supports projects
or programs that are above and beyond the level-of-service the utility should be providing
to all customers. The basic level-of-service should be funded by rates, fees and taxes
– not donations.
Consult with your municipality’s legal counsel prior to program establishment.
Project Examples
Cuivre River Electric, MOOperation Round Up
Through a Trust, Cuivre River Electric members donate by “rounding up” on their bill.
The funds are used to help families cope with emergencies, illness and medical needs;
help low-income and elderly with home efficiency improvements; help schools improve
educational opportunities; assist youth organizations to promote good citizenship;
and aid community and emergency service providers. More Info
Consult your community’s attorney and financial advisors prior to moving forward with
any of these funding options. Any reference in this website to any person, or organization,
or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any
linkages from this website to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply
the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of companies or organizations.
