Gainesville Regional Utilities donation Project Share program.

Donations from the community are used by Gainesville Regional Utilities to assist the less fortunate in the region. The money raised can come from both GRU customers and individual citizens. All funds from the Project Share program are then paid out to customers facing an emergency with a focus on the handicapped, elderly, the sick and families with children.

Anyone from the region can make a difference by supporting and donating to GRU’s Project Share program. It provides assistance with utility and cooling bills to those having difficulty paying their monthly costs. The focus is on helping the elderly, disabled, handicapped, households with young children and really those facing financial hardship due to some form of unexpected illness. Tens of thousands of dollars is usually paid out to those that need assistance.

The program is funded entirely by voluntary donations from people and businesses. The money is collected all year by GRU / Gainesville Regional Utilities. The utility company works with local charities and non-profits to process applications and pass out the money. Some of the key partners are Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and also the non-profit Gainesville Community Ministry.

When you contribute, all donations are tax deductible. People can decide to make either a one time or recurring, monthly donation to GRU and Project Share. There will be a flyer in your utility bill that can be used in order to donate funds to the program. Or call 1-800-818-3436. Your contribution will go towards the less fortunate and not administrative costs.

If you think you may qualify and want to apply, those low income customers who need assistance with paying their utility bill can call the United Way of North Central Florida. People can also call the local Salvation Army or Catholic Charities for referrals or more information on GRU Project Share.

The program has been running since the 1980s with many key partners. All of the donations made go to a total of three different local charities which are Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army Corps Center, and Gainesville Community Ministries. Unfortunately only a small number of applications are fulfilled, and there are still thousands of local households that usually have their utilities disconnected every year.

 

 

 

 

If you don’t qualify, note that there are other assistance programs available from GRU. Some of them include payment plans, extensions, budget payment plans, and the LEEP program. Customer service reps can also provide information on government programs too.

As indicated, note that preference is given to those at least 60 years of age or those who are disabled and unable to be self-sufficient. So your contribution will make a difference to someone from the region that truly needs some form of short term assistance. Or call 352-334-3434 for details on applying or donating.