Resources - Frequently Asked Questions

The Fuel Fund of Maryland is a private 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates independent of BGE. The Fuel Fund of Maryland works closely with BGE to resolve client issues, distribute utility credits, and receives in-kind support through their Fuel Fund envelope campaign but is a separate entity.

The Fuel Fund of Maryland is a nonprofit organization assisting the residents of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Charles County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County and St. Mary's County with their energy needs. Since its incorporation in 1981, the Fuel Fund has served over 100,000 families and has raised approximately $16,000,000.00 to help an average of 5,000 families a year.

The Fuel Fund of Maryland relies on the generosity of people like you. We also receive donations from corporate contributions, foundation grants, and private donations, direct mail appeals, newsletters, special events, and matching gift programs. The Fuel Fund of Maryland does not receive any government funding. All funding is from generous private donors. The Fuel Fund of Maryland respects those donors by not sharing or selling their information with any other parties.

More than 91 cents of every dollar goes to help those in need..

Fuel Fund families are your neighbors, friends, relatives, and coworkers. About 70% of the households we serve are either working or are elderly and retired. The other 30% usually are facing a crisis, such as a job lay-off or medical emergency. The average family assisted through the Fuel Fund of Maryland has an annual income of $13,000 for a family of three. Children represent over 50% of the individuals served by the Fuel Fund of Maryland.

The Fuel Fund of Maryland helps residents with utilities, oil, wood, kerosene, propane, coal, and other bulk fuel sources.

The Fuel Fund of Maryland strives to completely resolve a client's bill. The Fuel Fund requires that the client pay a portion of their bill with the remainder being taken care of by Fuel Fund dollars and matching utility credits provided by BGE rate payers. The Fuel Fund also refers clients to other sources of assistance when needed.

For complete instructions on how to receive energy assistance through the Fuel Fund of Maryland please click here.

It is estimated that 290,000 Maryland residents qualify for energy assistance. Rising oil, natural gas prices, and utility rate increase mean that more and more people will need assistance. Currently low-income families pay, on average, 25% of their yearly income toward energy costs compared with 4% for middle class families.

• Inoperative oil or gas burners due to loss of electricity.
• Unsafe use of gas stove for heat.
• Risks to safety from lit candles for light, especially dire for children and elderly.
• Poor hygiene related to loss of hot water.
• Contaminated food from loss of refrigeration, leading to lost time at school and work.
• Inferior school performance due to missed homework, missed meals and absenteeism.
• Having to choose between paying the rent, purchasing medicine, groceries, and paying the utility bill.

For information on how to donate to the Fuel Fund of Maryland please click here.