National Grid Foundation Offers Matching Funds Through Project Warmth

In the wake of the increasing numbers of families needing energy assistance, coupled with an economic recession that has left thousands of Long Islanders unemployed, the National Grid Foundation has announced a Matching Grant program to benefit donations made to United Way's Project Warmth program. The National Grid Foundation Matching Grant will match up to $50,000 of all donations made to Project Warmth this heating season.

Project Warmth provides qualifying families with heating emergencies (e.g., a near empty fuel tank or a final termination notice from their heating company) with a one-time grant to pay for fuel services to keep their homes habitable. Grants cover all types of fuel used for home heating, and United Way of Long Island negotiates delivery of fuel and direct payment with participating energy providers. Eligible applicants include those who have exhausted their Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grants for the year or those ineligible for federal HEAP.

“The National Grid Foundation has a long history of partnering with United Way of Long Island to reduce energy poverty,” says Bob Keller, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation.  “Project Warmth is a stellar program reaching those in our communities who are in crisis.”

Project Warmth partners with community-based agencies that help families get back on track with utility payments and back on their feet. Last winter, United Way of Long Island issued 1,398 grants to families with heating emergencies, for a total of $604,392.

For assistance or more information, visit Project Warmth, or call 631.940.3757.