North Carolina Fuel Funds

• The Crisis Assistance Ministry is a partnership of the religious community, a gas and an electric utility, United Way and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, that addresses utility, food, and basic needs. It was founded during the recession of 1975 by the religious community as a service ministry of the Charlotte Area Clergy Association. In 1985, after an extensive joint study, Mecklenburg County and the United Way appointed the Ministry as the lead agency to coordinate all emergency financial assistance in the county.

  Through a public-private partnership, Mecklenburg County and United Way provide most of the Ministry's operating funds. Contributions are received from area congregations, the City of Charlotte, utilities, individuals, foundations, businesses and community organizations.

• Duke Power's Share the Warmth is a heating bill assistance program funded by Duke Power customers and Duke Energy shareholders. The Duke Energy Foundation matches individual contributions, dollar-for-dollar up to $50, for a maximum corporate contribution of $500,000 annually.

• Progress Energy's Neighbor Fund and Project Share are supported by customers, employees, community donations and an annual grant from the Progress Energy Foundation.
• Piedmont Natural Gas has been partnes with its customers to help others with energy bills through its "Share the Warmth" program.

LEVERAGING (includes church and community contributions)

2010: $3.5 million
2009: $3.9 million
2007: $4.9 million
2006: $2.2 million
2005: $2.6 million
2004: $2.8 million
2003: $3.2 million
2002: $2.8 million (includes city and government funds)
2001: $2 million
2000: $1.1 million
1999: $2.4 million
1997: $969,219
1996: $883,444
1995: $2.2 million