Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Inc.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency energy assistance to residential utility customers in New Hampshire who face financial hardships and are ineligible for traditional energy assistance programs. Established in 1986, the organization operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, ensuring that donations are tax-deductible.

Mission

The mission of Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Inc. is to help utility customers who encounter financial emergencies, supporting them in maintaining basic utility services without interruption. The organization provides emergency grants to eligible individuals, addressing the needs of those not covered by federally funded energy assistance programs. This effort is crucial in ensuring that utility services such as electricity and heating are available to vulnerable households, thereby enhancing housing security and quality of life.

Operations

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Inc. partners with five Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across New Hampshire to manage the application and eligibility process for assistance grants. These partnerships allow the organization to effectively reach and support a significant number of New Hampshire residents annually, typically around 1,200 families.

The organization's board of directors includes representatives from participating utilities such as Eversource Energy, Unitil, and Liberty Utilities, alongside representatives from the Community Action Agencies. The utilities play a critical role by covering all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of contributions directly support energy assistance grants. Additionally, the utilities often match customer contributions up to a certain amount, further enhancing the fund's capacity to assist those in need.

Financial Overview

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Inc. operates under a model where administrative expenses are covered by the participating utilities, allowing all donated funds to be allocated towards assisting customers. The organization's financial transparency is maintained through the submission of Form 990, a requirement for tax-exempt organizations in the United States.

Impact

By providing essential support during financial crises, Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Inc. plays a vital role in fostering community stability and well-being. The organization's efforts are particularly crucial during periods of heightened energy costs and economic uncertainty, as they help prevent utility service disruptions for families facing temporary financial setbacks.