HICKSVILLE, NY — The National Grid Foundation kicked off its 25th Anniversary with a $550,000 gift in support of three fuel-neutral emergency heating funds in Massachusetts and New York. 

 

The recipient organizations are United Way of Massachusetts Bay, United Way of Long Island and Catholic Charities Diocese of Albany.

 

"Income disruption and financial emergencies can happen to anyone, impacting the ability of individuals and families to pay for their housing, childcare, food and utilities," said Bob Giannino, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. "We also know that small amounts of emergency assistance in a time of financial crisis can prevent families from losing their homes, going without heat, experiencing food insecurity or going without other essential needs. We're grateful for the National Grid Foundation and their critical, longstanding partnership that enables United Way to deploy resources swiftly to our network of community-based organizations and to individuals and families throughout our region."

 

This special donation supplements the Foundation's "traditional" annual heating fund grants and combines support of these emergency programs at a record-breaking $1.5 million level; each organization has received $500,000 in support of its heat fund program.

 

"This gift helps celebrate the Foundation's 25 years of service in our communities and highlights our core principle: Giving people the tools they need to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and building stronger communities," said Eileen Cohen, chair of th National Grid Foundation. "As so many are experiencing the rising cost of living, and our neighbors and communities are strained by tough economic times, we are pleased to once again be able to help and support these fuel-neutral emergency heating and utility funds." 

 

This announcement follows multiple statements last year that National Grid has committed to providing millions of dollars in support of existing partners and networks across Massachusetts and New York to help customers and communities meet their needs during this financially challenging time. As part of that, National Grid provided the National Grid Foundation a special donation of $5 million that will broaden and deepen emergency heating programs in the two states. The remaining funding will be gifted to additional organizations over the coming months.