Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund Receives $75,000 Grant from the Rhode Island Foundation

PROVIDENCE, RI  The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a cooperative effort between the energy companies in the state, The Salvation Army which administers the Fund and Rhode Islanders to assist those in temporary crisis with their energy bills, announces that it has recently received a grant in the amount of $75,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation.

“We are so grateful for the grant from the Rhode Island Foundation. It came at the perfect time as the combination of colder temperatures and an economy which has been slow to recover are generating a heightened ‘urgency of need’ from local families who are in crisis and seeking energy assistance,” said Major Wendy Kountz, Rhode Island State Coordinator of The Salvation Army.  “This grant will allow the Fund to help more than 150 households stay warm this winter and get through a tough time in their lives.”  The 2014-’15 goal of the Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign is to raise $500,000 and provide energy assistance to 1,500 families.

“Working families who find themselves in a tough spot have been able to turn to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund for assistance for almost 30 years,” said Neil Steinberg, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.  “We know that higher utility costs will cause vulnerable families additional hardship this winter so we wanted to do our part and help our neighbors in need.”

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island.  In 2104, the Foundation awarded $34.8 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities.  Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential.

The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs such as LIHEAP.  The Fund’s campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations for support.  The Salvation Army distributes contributions to families who qualify based on specific household income and family member guidelines.

Fund sponsors – Dominion Resources, Entergy RISEC, National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services and Trans-Canada’s Ocean State Power – participate through various giving programs.  Rhode Islanders most often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through the end of March. Those interested in donating to the Fund can also text “WARM” to 41444 on their mobile phone, send a check payable to “Good Neighbor” to The Salvation Army, 34 Commercial Street, Cranston, RI 02905 or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

Since its establishment in 1986, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $12.3 million and helped more than 42,750 families who have been in temporary crisis and in need of energy assistance.  For more information about the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, please call (401) 490-0240 or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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