Eastern Maine Funders' Energy Initiative
Eastern Maine Funders' 2008 Report
Neighbors Helping Neighbros 2008 Report
Eastern Maine Funders, a collaboration of private and public foundations, businesses and other funders, has committed $521,000 to launch a second Eastern Maine Funders' Energy Initiative for home weatherization, furnace maintenance and fuel assistance for the five counties of Eastern Maine. Limited federal and state resources continue to leave a gap in meeting the need for immediate fuel assistance and our most fragile citizens and low-income families are in danger this winter.
Eastern Maine Funders (EMF) is a project of the Maine Philanthropy Center. EMF are coordinating with industry and government representatives, as well as with social service providers, to ensure that Energy Initiative investments result in the highest possible savings for homeowners. The group is collaborating with oil dealers including Webber Energy and R.H. Foster Energy who have both contributed furnace cleanings for needy families. Cleaning a furnace that hasn't been serviced for several years can reduce home heating costs by as much as 25%. The Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security estimates that other weatherization and conservation strategies can reduce energy consumption by 10% to 50%.
The fund includes gifts from the Maine Community Foundation, United Way of Eastern Maine, The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, Jasper Wyman & Son, Bangor Hydro-Electric Company, Bangor Savings Bank, JTG Foundation, Francis Hollis Brain Foundation, Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation, The Betterment Fund, C.F. Adams Charitable Trust, Maine Health Access Foundation, Webber Energy, R.H. Foster Energy and an anonymous donor. "JTG Foundation was proud to make the first gift to kick start our second Energy Initiative because we see the demand for help increasing," said Tom Gorman, president of the JTG Foundation.
"We are especially pleased that our funds will have impact for years to come in one of the most needy areas, Washington County. Individually, we couldn't make a dent in a crisis of this magnitude, but together we can make an impact that can help the people of Eastern Maine", Gorman said.
The Energy Initiative will serve individuals and families throughout the Eastern Maine region, including Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties. This year there is a desperate need in this area. Already, the CAP agencies are experiencing a significant increase in the number of applications for heating and weatherization assistance. Over 40% of home heating assistance requests come from the elderly while many more come from the working poor who have children living with them.
The average home in Maine uses 800 to 1,000 gallons of heating oil a year. LIHEAP and many other assistance programs can only provide 180 gallons of oil a year for needy families. Eastern Maine Funders recognizes that long-term strategies must be used to address the difference between the need and available support as public funding for fuel assistance has historically left a gap and is not keeping up with increasing costs.
United Way of Eastern Maine will once again handle the administration and implementation of the Energy Initiative. Eastern Maine Funders is a project of the Maine Philanthropy Center.
For more information on Eastern Maine Funders, to get involved in the Energy Initiative or to learn more, contact Edward French at United Way of Eastern Maine (207) 941-2800 x 205.
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