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Sponsored by: Operation Fuel
October 22, 2021 Giving Guide 2021

Operation Fuel

MISSION

Operation Fuel provides year-round energy and utility assistance, promotes energy independence, and advocates for affordable energy for Connecticut residents. Founded by Gov. Ella Grasso and members of the faith and business communities, Operation Fuel fills gaps for families thanks to community, foundation, corporate, and agency support.

IN OUR WORDS

Thank you for helping us power families with your gift! Operation Fuel is the only organization in Connecticut that provides year-round emergency energy and utility assistance statewide. For the past 43 years, we have helped families and individuals who are in financial crisis and have nowhere else to turn.

More than half of our recipients are elderly, children under the age of 18, premature infants, and people with chronic illnesses. Operation Fuel has become a strong advocate for lower-income families and individuals whose voices otherwise wouldn’t be heard. We assist with all types of energy and utilities including heating oil, natural gas, electricity, and water.

Our 62 fuel banks, strategically located across the state, make it possible for households statewide to have access to emergency energy assistance from Operation Fuel. They are part of municipal human and social service departments, community agencies, nonprofits, and religious organizations.

GOALS

  1. Expand our services to state residents using our 24/7 online application process that saves Operation Fuel money and increases access to assistance.
  2. Build upon the talent in our current Board of Directors to identify additional leaders who have expertise specific to the energy and philanthropic communities.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

We know that the energy affordability crisis is not going away anytime soon. With Operation Fuel’s limited funds, we can only help a fraction of the 500,000 Connecticut households that are struggling to pay their energy bills. Families and individuals are forced to choose between paying their energy bills, buying nutritious food, or paying their rent or mortgage. Community support is vital.

  • Online at operationfuel.org/give: You can make secure one-time, monthly, or quarterly donations online.
  • Text2Give: Donate through your mobile phone by texting OPFUEL to 44321
  • Add-a-Dollar: One of the easiest ways to support families struggling with energy costs is through Operation Fuel’s #AddADollar program, where we partner with utility providers so customers can conveniently add a one-time or monthly donation to their utility bill, and the providers send your donation to Operation Fuel. Learn more at www.operationfuel.org/give
  • Employer Match: Ask your employer if they’ll match your gift to Operation Fuel.
  • Leave a Legacy: You can make a lasting impact on families and individuals facing crisis in Connecticut by making a planned gift to Operation Fuel. Email info@operationfuel.org to learn more.
  • Donate Stock: If you’d like to make a gift of stock to Operation Fuel, email info@operationfuel.org

POST-PANDEMIC

The economic fallout from COVID-19 will continue for some time – residents who were protected from utility shutoffs for months still have to pay large past due bills.

In 2020, we launched a new, 24/7 online application portal where residents can apply from anywhere at any time. While planned for some time, the launch during the pandemic allowed individuals to apply from the safety of their home without having to set up in-person appointments or travel. The online system offers easier access for people who have mobility issues, limited transportation, child or elder care responsibilities, or jobs during typical business hours.

Curtis, an elderly Korean War veteran living on a fixed income, faced a terrible dilemma during Connecticut’s frequent heat waves. If he didn’t maintain safe temperatures in the Southeastern Connecticut home he shares with his wife, her medical conditions would worsen. Adjusting the thermostat to keep her safe, however, costs more money than the family can afford. “By the time you’ve paid for food, medicine, and other basic necessities, there’s no money left,” Curtis said. Fortunately, kind Connecticut residents and foundations stepped up so that Operation Fuel could keep the power running for Curtis and his wife.

ABOUT US

Year established: 1977

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $3,631,914

Total number of employees: 13

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Operation Fuel serves all towns throughout the state of Connecticut.

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Governmental grants - state: 42%

Add-A-Dollar program: 12%

Individual contributions: 10%

Foundation grants: 13%

CONTACT

75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240 Hartford, CT 06106

860.243.2345

www.operationfuel.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Operation Fuel CEO Brenda Watson.
Megan Brown, Chair: Thames Valley Council for Community Action

Lorenzo Wyatt, Treasurer: Home Comfort Practice

Rauchell Beckford-Anderson, Board member: Shipman and Goodwin

Daniel Canavan, Board member: UIL Holdings Corporation

Alexandrea Isaac, Board member: FuelCell Energy

Scott Jellison, Board member: The Metropolitan District Commission

Amy McLean, Board member: Acadia Center

Nicholas Neeley, Board member: Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, retired

Lisa Vallera, Board member: Eversource Energy