Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Established 20 years ago, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps qualified residents in Massachusetts pay electric, gas, and oil bills when, due to temporary financial difficulty, they can?t meet their energy expenses and they aren?t eligible for state or federal assistance.

"This fund really helps the people who might otherwise not be served, mainly the working poor of Massachusetts," says Lt. Colonel Fred Van Brunt of the Massachusetts Salvation Army. "Without assistance from the GNEF, many of the people we serve wouldn?t be able to make their monthly utility payments"

In the Spring of 1985, several energy companies and organizations voluntarily established a statewide fund to assist the needy in paying their winter energy bills. The Salvation Army was selected as the administrator of the fund and operates the program at each of its facilities throughout the state.

Since its inception, The Salvation Army has been able to help nearly 60,000 families and individuals through the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. Over $12 million has been collected from the utility companies and from over 1,757,000 contributing, caring neighbors throughout the Commonwealth.

Each winter, residents in Massachusetts receive a green Good Neighbor Energy Fund envelope with their monthly energy bills.  To contribute to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, just return the green envelope with a contribution made payable to "Good Neighbor Energy Fund."  

Your contribution will be added with the contributions of other concerned neighbors and will directly assist someone in need with their utility payments. 

You can also contribute by donating on-line!  Just note on the donation form that you'd like to designate your gift to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficult, cannot meet a month?s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy. 

To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant?s gross household income must fall between 200 and 275 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Maximum Fund disbursement per eligible household per heating season is $275.

Income eligibility guidelines for 2004-2005

You may apply by directly contacting your local Salvation Army Service Center. 

For more information about eligibility criteria and where to apply, please call: