Tag Archives: United Way

Consumers Energy Foundation provides $250,000 to support emergency food delivery

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The CEF grant will support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children (Courtesy photo)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


This grant will help provide consistent access to essential nutrition

The Consumers Energy Foundation (CEF) has announced a grant of $250,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children.

This initiative comes in response to economic pressures and the recent disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown, which has left more than 1.6 million Michigan residents without consistent access to essential nutrition.

“We believe no one in Michigan should go hungry,” said Brandon Hofmeister, President of the Consumers Energy Foundation.

“This grant reflects our commitment to care for our communities and ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy and safe.”

A collaborative effort

The Food Bank Council of Michigan will use the grant to launch a home delivery program for seven-day food boxes. The program will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, with a central food bank coordinating logistics and deliveries to local partners and directly to homes across the state.

“This support from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a lifeline for thousands of Michigan families,” said Dr. Phil Knight, Executive Director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “By bringing food directly to the doorsteps of those who can’t reach distribution sites, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The execution of the CEF grant will be the result of a collaborative effort (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

The Consumers Energy Foundation is working collaboratively with government partners and a wide network of corporate, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations to address the urgent needs facing Michigan families. Among these partners, United Way continues to be a critical resource, helping families stay afloat with wraparound services such as rent assistance, utility support and other essential needs.

Consumers Energy employees will have the opportunity to extend additional care to families in need through volunteer efforts and financial contributions with matching gift funds from the company.

This coordinated effort ensures that resources are deployed where they are needed most and demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring all Michiganders have the support they need during this time of uncertainty.

Investing in what is important

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider.


The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what is most important — people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity.


For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Foundation.

Consumers Energy providing $5 Million to help customers with heating bills

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(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


On the heels of last month’s cold snap, Consumers Energy is pledging $5 million in contributions to Michigan nonprofits to help at-risk customers pay their heating bills starting in February.

“Consumers Energy is proud to lend a hand to households who need help this winter,” said Brandon Hofmeister, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president for strategy, sustainability and external affairs. “We want our customers who are concerned with making ends meet to know dollars will be available that can make a difference.”

Consumers Energy is making contributions to five nonprofit agencies this month to help families that are facing hardship. The dollars are available to income-qualified customers through the following organizations:


*TrueNorth Community Services
*United Way of South Central Michigan
*The Salvation Army
*St. Vincent de Paul Society
*Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

People who need help should call 2-1-1, a free service that connects Michiganders with nonprofits to find help with basic needs, from energy bills to food and shelter. Consumers Energy customers also should call 800-477-5050 if they are facing challenges with their bill.

“Consumers Energy’s generous gift couldn’t come at a better time,” said Chris Sargent, president and executive officer for United Way of South Central Michigan. “Barely halfway through a tough winter, families who struggle financially are finding it hard to keep up with essentials like heating costs. This support gives them hope and a warm home. United Way’s Program Assistance Center is grateful for Consumers Energy’s compassionate partnership.”

Last year, Consumers Energy helped over 137,000 Michiganders to obtain nearly $69 million from a variety of sources to pay energy costs. The company is dedicated to the people who count on us for energy and heat, and provides assistance that allows people to stay safe and warm in their homes.

“When it’s cold outside, our customers can count on us for reliable energy and a helping hand when they need it,” Hofmeister said. “We’re confident our $5 million contribution will provide meaningful assistance to thousands of households today and over the months ahead.”



Learn more: ConsumersEnergy.com/assistance

Consumers Energy also is encouraging customers to apply for Michigan’s Home Heating Credit. If your income is at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, you may apply for the credit for the 2024 tax year to help pay your energy bill.

The credit is available to homeowners and renters. Learn more: Home Heating Credit Information.

Frey Foundation grant aims to increase access to housing in Kent County

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The Frey Foundation is currently seeking innovative ideas to accelerate access to sustainable, quality housing opportunities in Kent County. The foundation is specifically focused on addressing housing access for people who are employed yet may be struggling to make ends meet, a circumstance defined by the United Ways as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

 

“This concept of launching an innovation award to catalyze community creativity around this important topic aligns with the foundation’s core values.” said Ellie Frey Zagel, chair of the initiative.

 

According to the Heart of West Michigan United Way, at least 25 percent of Kent County’s households are considered among the ALICE population. For families in these circumstances, adults in the household are employed and earning above the Federal Poverty Level. However, they do not earn enough o cover the basic cost of living, considered to be $56,460 per year for a family of our in Kent County.

 

“Innovation requires us to reexamine an issue and consider different perspectives” said Frey Foundation President Holly Johnson. We hope this opportunity results in new ideas, partnerships and new ways to leverage change.”

 

The foundation will award a grant of up to $150,000 to an agency or partnership that submits an innovative, actionable plan, concept or collaboration that effectively reduces the number of ALICE families paying more than 30 percent of monthly income for housing. Submissions will be evaluated, and an idea selected, by an external, multi-sector advisory committee coordinated by the Grand Valley Metro Council.

 

For families whose circumstances fall within the ALICE parameters, many factors contribute to housing insecurity. “Low supply and high housing costs are just the start,” said Lynne Ferrell, Frey Foundation Program Director. “Beyond basic supply and demand, stagnant wages, illness or unanticipated household expenses can hinder a family’s ability to afford rent or a mortgage payment. This can snowball into an eviction or damaged credit and present an entirely new set of challenges.”

 

To be considered, ideas should address at least one of the following:

• Finance
• Creative Development• Policy

 

This call for housing innovation is an addition to the foundation’s regular grantmaking. While the foundation serves West and Northern Michigan, this particular opportunity is focused on Kent County.

 

Ideas are currently being accepted online. The deadline for submission is Oct. 29. More information is available at freyfdn.org/housinginnovation.