Hello Friends and Supporters!  

My name is Lauren Zeigler, and I have the privilege of serving as Treasurer on the Fuel Fund of Maryland’s Board of Directors. 

In my professional life, I’m a CPA and Tax Principal in the Baltimore area, but my commitment to the Fuel Fund goes far beyond numbers. As a mom to an energetic little boy, I understand how vital warmth and light are to a family’s sense of security. That’s why I work hard to ensure every dollar you entrust to us is managed responsibly and used to make a real impact. 

A Year of Strength and Stewardship:

As we close out the year, I’m proud to share that the Fuel Fund of Maryland remains financially strong and mission focused. Our fiscal health reflects stability and growth, with positive operating margins and reserves that ensure we can continue to serve families in need. Every dollar entrusted to us is managed with care and aligned with our mission: keeping Maryland families safe, warm, and connected. We are proud that $0.86 of every dollar donated is used towards our mission. Due to the financial responsibility of the organization and the focus on our mission, the Fuel Fund of Maryland was able to help 3,322 households last year.  

Transparency You Can Trust 

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability. With a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, donors can feel confident that their contributions are making a real impact. Our audited financials and IRS filings are reviewed diligently by the board to ensure every resource is used responsibly. 

Your Support in Action: 

This year, your generosity helped us achieve incredible milestones: 

• The Silver Lights Program celebrated its fifth anniversary, continuing to provide critical assistance to seniors and medically vulnerable clients. 

• Giving Tuesday was a resounding success—we more than doubled our $15,000 goal, connecting 124 households. 

• For every $1 you donated, we leveraged $0.50 in additional energy credits from BGE, multiplying the impact for families in crisis. 

These achievements are more than numbers—they represent lights turned back on, warmth restored, and hope renewed. 

Looking Ahead: 

As we enter the new year, our priorities include: 

• Growing reserves to sustain operations during peak demand. 

• Raising funds to continue to meet the needs of older adults and those with critical medical needs. 

• Launching new fundraising initiatives to meet rising energy costs during the winter months. 

Your continued support will make these goals possible. 

Serving as Treasurer is deeply meaningful to me—not just as a CPA and board member, but as a mom, stepmom, and Marylander. Balancing my professional life with time at home with my family reminds me why this work matters. Every family deserves the security of warmth and light, and I’m honored to help make that possible. 

Thank you to our donors, partners, and community supporters: thank you for your trust and generosity. Together, we are more than a fund—we are a lifeline. 

Warm regards, 

 
Lauren M. Zeigler, CPA, M.S. 
Treasurer, Board of Directors 
Fuel Fund of Maryland 

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S CORNER

A New Year, A Renewed Commitment  

Hello and welcome. As we step into 2026, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the trust you place in us because of you, thousands of Maryland households are able to stay warm through our financial assistance programs. Your generosity is the foundation of everything we do.  

A new year always brings reflection. I find myself asking: How can we serve you better? How can we strengthen the impact you make possible? These questions guide my work every day.  

One of the greatest joys of my role is connecting with you. I truly value our conversations—your questions, your insights, and the time you take to answer my questions.  

I know you receive many solicitations from other non-profits. I also know you are savvy donors, and you know how to do your homework by checking out the nonprofits. I’ve learned THAT from many of you and that’s why I always sign off on my letters and emails as “I’m here”, Call or email me and let’s talk.  

I’m incredibly proud of the work we accomplish together. Just as you work hard to earn your money, we work just as hard to steward your trust with complete transparency and accountability.  

We will celebrate our 45th birthday in March of 2026. Stay on the lookout for information on our founder, Victorine Adams.  

Thank you, sincerely, for empowering us to keep households connected.  

If you’d like to talk, I’m always just a phone call or email away: 410‑844‑3833 dgriffin@fuelfundmaryland.org

To make a gift, click here