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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Fuel Fund of Maryland?
The Fuel Fund of Maryland is a nonprofit organization assisting the residents of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County with their energy needs. Since its incorporation in 1981, the Fuel Fund has served over 100,000 families and has raised approximately $16,000,000.00 to help an average of 5,000 families a year.
- How does the Fuel Fund of Maryland raise money?
The Fuel Fund of Maryland relies on corporate contributions, foundation grants, and private donations through Fuel Fund envelopes placed in BGE bills, direct mail appeals, newsletters, special events, and matching gift programs. The Fuel Fund of Maryland does not receive any government funding. All funding is from generous private donors. The Fuel Fund of Maryland respects those donors by not sharing or selling their information with any other parties.
- What percentage of money raised goes to help those in need?
More than 86¢ out of every dollar goes to help those in need.
- Who are Fuel Fund families?
Fuel Fund families are neighbors, friends, relatives, and coworkers. About 70% of the households we serve are either working or are elderly and retired. The other 30% usually are facing a crisis, such as a job lay-off or medical emergency. The average family assisted through the Fuel Fund of Maryland has an annual income of $13,000 for a family of three. Children represent over 50% of the individuals served by the Fuel Fund of Maryland.
- What types of energy assistance does the Fuel Fund of Maryland help with?
The Fuel Fund of Maryland helps residents with utilities, oil, wood, kerosene, propane, coal, and other bulk fuel sources.
- Does the Fuel Fund of Maryland issue a flat rate grant or do they help with a person's entire bill?
The Fuel Fund of Maryland strives to completely resolve a client's bill. The Fuel Fund requires that the client pay a portion of their bill with the remainder being taken care of by Fuel Fund dollars and matching utility credits provided by BGE rate payers. The Fuel Fund also refers clients to other sources of assistance when needed.
- How do I apply for assistance or help someone I know apply?
For complete instructions on how to receive energy assistance through the Fuel Fund of Maryland please click here.
- Are there many Maryland residents that need my help?
It is estimated that 290,000 Maryland residents qualify for energy assistance. Rising oil, natural gas prices, and utility rate increase mean that more and more people will need assistance. Currently low-income families pay, on average, 25% of their yearly income toward energy costs compared with 4% for middle class families.
- What are the consequences of loss of household energy?
- Inoperative oil or gas burners
- Unsafe use of gas stove for heat
- Risks to safety from lit candles for light
- Poor hygiene related to loss of hot water
- Contaminated food from loss of refrigeration
- Inferior school performance
- Having to choose between paying the rent, purchasing medicine, groceries, and paying the utility bill
- How can I help?
For information on how to donate to the Fuel Fund of Maryland please click here.
- Is the Fuel Fund of Maryland part of BGE?
The Fuel Fund of Maryland is a private 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates independent of BGE. The Fuel Fund of Maryland works closely with BGE to resolve client issues, distribute utility credits, and receives generous contributions from them, but is a separate entity.
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Thanks to Our Donors, Nearly 18,500 People Had Their Home Energy Needs
Met in 2005 |
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Across five Central Maryland counties and Baltimore City, the Fuel Fund helps families living on low-incomes, disability payments or fixed incomes like Social Security. Our goal is to keep our clients’ energy costs affordable, given that their incomes are not only substandard but also static.
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