Donate to Dollar Energy Fund in Ohio

There are a few utility assistance programs in Ohio that rely on donations from people in the community. The primary resources available include the Dollar Energy Fund and the Neighbor to Neighbor Program. Get more details on these resources below.

If you are behind on your bills or facing disconnection then the Neighbor to Neighbor Program may be an option to assist you. Funds and cash may assist people with terminated service status or those whose utility service is threatened of termination. Also keep in mind that while the state of Ohio and federal government Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is open, the Neighbor to Neighbor Program will assist customers whose service is now shut off.

The amount of aid provided will vary based on many factors, including the amount of money the program has. For example, fund raising on the part of energy company in Ohio is critical to ensure that they are able to leverage all utility shareholder donations. A number of people contribute, including individual customers, corporate sponsorship, private foundation grants, state government funding, United Way contributions, individual and annual giving, special events and drives in the community.

You can donate as much, or as little, as you want. All donations to Dollar Energy Fund’s hardship funds, including Neighbor to Neighbor Program, are matched dollar for dollar (up to a maximum amount) by utility partners. Your contributions will be tax deductible and 100 percent of your donation and even the matching dollars from the energy company will directly assist a low-income client in Ohio. The goal is to also provide money to local people, so your donations stay in the community. Eligible customers will receive a utility bill assistance grant applied directly to their energy bill.

For those people who are applying for assistance, there are a number of conditions that need to be met. The program is not a charity resource so it will only help people who have a history of past payments. For example, you need to be found qualified, and in order to do this the applicant must have paid at least $150 in the past.

A number of documents will also need to be provided by applicants, including proof of income, Social Security Numbers for everyone in your household, copy of identification, copies of bills and more.

Applications for the Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program are accepted at intake sites across the state. Or dial (800) 683-7036. After applying your application will be processed and screened by the non-profit Dollar Energy Fund. It will take time to review your application and you need to continue to pay your current electric bill while you wait. As indicated, if the donations are down in a certain year then you are less likely to receive assistance. All of the application centers will fully participate in all Dollar Energy Fund assistance programs.