JACKSON, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Consumers Energy Foundation announced on Wednesday, November 2, $500,000 in grant funding to help two statewide organizations, the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Association of United Ways.
According to a News Release from Consumer’s Energy, the grant funding is targeted to providing direct assistance and necessities to Michiganders in need.
Officials say the two $250,000 grants will allow both organizations to distribute the funding throughout the state where the need is greatest, with a focus on addressing immediate needs for residents within the Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed, or ALICE population, who do not qualify for federal assistance, but yet are often one major expense away from financial disaster.
They go onto say that $250,000 will allow the Food Bank Council of Michigan to distribute funds to food banks for the purchase of food with every $1 supporting six meals, resulting in 1.5 million meals. The other $250,000 for the Michigan Association of United ways to distribute to local United Ways to provide direct assistance with basic needs, including housing repairs, gas and transportation assistance, rental assistance and other necessities.
“As costs continue to rise in nearly every facet of our lives, we know many in our state are facing significant challenges to accessing basics like food and safe housing,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Consumers Energy Foundation is committed to eliminating whatever barriers possible to those basics, and these grants will allow two organizations that are out in our communities every day to continue and expand the work they’re doing to connect people and families with the resources they need to thrive.”
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider.
In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.
