Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Good Neighbor Energy Fund is sponsored by United Way of Rhode Island Inc.. Provides financial assistance to Rhode Islanders facing temporary financial difficulties, helping with home heating costs.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund | United Way of Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund Providing Warmth for Our Neighbors Help for Rhode Island households facing a temporary crisis who cannot meet a current energy bill — and who do not qualify for state or federal aid. It matters that our loved ones, friends and neighbors have somewhere to turn when the unexpected happens.

Since 1986 the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has helped Rhode Island households who cannot meet a current energy expense because of a temporary crisis, and who do not qualify for state or federal aid. Every year brings its own challenge in keeping all our neighbors warm, and this year is no different. The Fund depends on the generosity of Rhode Islanders to get local families through a hard stretch.

Many people give over the winter, when our annual “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign is running, but gifts are welcome all year. Every gift keeps the heat on for a household in a hard stretch. Working together for Rhode Island families The Fund is a cooperative effort between sponsoring energy companies, United Way of Rhode Island, the business community and the people of Rhode Island.

Together they have assisted more than 48,750 families since 1986. It was founded by local energy companies who saw their customers’ generosity first-hand. The 2025–26 sponsors are: Block Island Utility District Clear River Electric & Water District Rhode Islanders who need help from the Fund should visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency, which uses the guidelines below to determine whether a household qualifies.

If you are not sure which CAP agency is nearest you, dial 2-1-1 from any phone and United Way 211 will point you to it. Clients must provide documentation showing financial hardship. Clients must provide a photo ID, proof of income, proof of household members, and a current heat-related utility bill.

Assistance covers one energy source only: electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood or wood by-products. A household that did not receive assistance last campaign year is eligible this year, as long as it meets the financial guidelines. A household that did receive assistance last campaign year must show an extenuating financial hardship to receive it again.

Payments are made directly to the utility company. Household size Annual income limit Each additional member add $13,500 A household qualifies when its income does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level and sits above the threshold for LIHEAP assistance.

Maximum grant per household Energy source Maximum grant Wood or wood by-products $650 Local households in crisis need help more than ever, and a gift may well keep a family warm in your own neighborhood. There are four ways to give: Give online with the button below. Send a check made out to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” in the yellow donation envelope enclosed with your utility bill.

Send a check to United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909. Text WARM to 91999 and a card donation form will be sent to your phone. 48,750 Rhode Island households kept warm since 1986 $17.

3M raised for neighbors facing an energy crisis $400,000 the 2025–26 “Warm Thy Neighbor” goal The Fund is open to any Rhode Islander who needs help with a current energy expense because of a temporary crisis and meets the eligibility guidelines. It is administered by United Way of Rhode Island.

Donations come from the general public, businesses and local community organizations, and sponsoring electric, gas and oil companies support their customers’ giving through their own programs. Contributions qualify as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt donations. For more information, dial 2-1-1 from any phone or contact United Way of Rhode Island .

Every $1 Makes a Difference Because every gift helps someone in Rhode Island. Candid Platinum Transparency 2025