It takes a firm commitment in helping to make our communities strong, resilient and responsive to the needs of our citizens. It also takes vision, cooperation and financial support.
The FirstEnergy Foundation's contributions to local nonprofit organizations help strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. Funded solely by FirstEnergy, the Foundation extends the corporate philosophy of providing community support.
We support non-profit, tax-exempt organizations within the FirstEnergy operating companies' service areas - Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and Jersey Central Power & Light Company - as well as where we have facilities. We support federated giving through the United Way and similar organizations. In 2006, FirstEnergy Foundation grants totaled nearly $5 million.
The FirstEnergy Foundation considers grants in the following areas that:
- Help improve the vitality of our communities and support key safety initiatives
- Promote local and regional economic development and revitalization efforts
- Advance an educated workforce by supporting professional development, literacy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education initiatives
- Support FirstEnergy employees' community leadership and volunteer interests
How to apply
Eligible organizations must qualify as nonprofit and tax-exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A copy of the IRS exemption letter must be attached to a one- or two-page proposal letter, which should include:
- The purpose, amount and need for the grant requested
- The area served by the applicant's organization, i.e., city and county
- A brief history of the organization
- Measurements of the organization's service outputs
- A list of the organization's officers and trustees
Also, minimum eligibility requirements for the applicant's organization include:
- Approval as an eligible organization by the Contributions Committee of the FirstEnergy Foundation
- Location within the FirstEnergy operating companies' service areas or where the company has facilities
- Compliance with the basic Standards in Philanthropy as described by the National Information Bureau regarding board composition, purpose, program, expenses, promotion, fund-raising, accountability and budget
Matching Gifts Program
Supported by the Foundation, FirstEnergy's Matching Gifts Program increases the generosity and commitment of our employees. We match employee contributions to qualifying educational, cultural, youth, civic, and health and human services organizations not supported by federated campaigns like the United Way. In 2006, our Matching Gift program added over $120,000 to the donations made by FirstEnergy employees.
Limitations
The FirstEnergy Foundation generally does not consider funding for:
- Direct grants to individuals, or to political or legislative activities
- Organizations that receive sizable public tax funding
- Fraternal, religious, labor, athletic, social or veterans organizations - unless the contribution is earmarked for an eligible program or campaign open to all beneficiaries, including those not affiliated with the host organization
- National or international organizations
- Organizations already supported by federated campaigns, such as United Way
- Research
- Equipment purchases
- Loans or second-party giving, such as endowments, debt retirement, or foundations
- Public or private schools
Mary Beth Carroll
President
The FirstEnergy Foundation
76 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio, 44308
For more information about our charitable giving contact:
Contributions Department
330-761-4246
(02/20/08)
