Rhode Island National Grid Care and Share Energy bill donation program.

When facing an emergency, qualified low income customers of National Grid may be able to receive assistance from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. This is a resource that can be called upon during a short term crisis situation. The funding is from donations that are made to National Grid, and the company will also often make one time matching grants.

It has been operating since the 1980s and was created to help low income or working poor families. Funds may be available, based on the level of donations, to families that are having difficulty paying heat related utility bills. However all aid is limited and only a limited number of applicants will be fulfilled each year.

While there could be different agencies and non-profits that administer Good Neighbor Energy, one of the main organizations is HeartShare Human Services of Rhode Island. They offer referrals to local resources and other support. While program terms can change, in general it is available for families that are qualified for LIHEAP - Home Energy Assistance Program.

It relies on contributions from the public or businesses. Every dollar donated to the fund is tax-deductible. It will not go towards administrative costs. Therefore, if you contribute to Care & Share, the money you donate will make a difference for someone who desperately needs help paying their bills to stay warm.

If you have an emergency, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund will use those donations in an effort to try to continue to offer emergency energy bill assistance to those who need it most. The focus is on helping during the cold Rhode Island winter months.

People can donate in a variety of ways. This can include calling HeartShare Human Services of Rhode Island, sending a text to a pre-approved number, or adding a contribution to your monthly National Grid bill. Anything contributed will serve as a tax-deductible contribution to help families or low income individuals in need stay warm.

National Grid will also often make contributions and matching grants to the program. There are some years in which hundreds of thousands of dollars are donated to it. All of this will be used to assist low income families in Rhode Island with paying their heating bills. Some funds may be focused on HEAP recipients that have received shutoff notices. Care and Share can help people pay their bills.

If you are facing a short term crisis and need assistance, families can apply at a number of different locations. To hear a list of agencies that can process applications, stop by a local community action agency.