Fuel Fund of Maryland

The Fuel Fund of Maryland (FFM) was founded in 1981 by Baltimore Councilwoman Victorine Q. Adams, the first Black female councilwoman in the city. She was moved to action after an elderly couple in her district froze to death in their home due to their utilities being disconnected. She vowed she would never let this happen again under her watch and started a nonprofit to assist limited-income families who are struggling to afford their home energy bills.

Forty years later, FFM continues to partner with organizations and caring individuals in Maryland (and beyond) to protect the economic health and physical well-being of all Maryland citizens when faced with a heat and home utility hardship. FFM provides financial assistance with gas and electric bills within the BGE service territory. Additionally, during the winter months, FFM can also help with “bulk fuels” throughout the entire state: home heating oil, kerosene, propane, wood pellets, etc.

As a result of our 40+ year relationship with BGE, each individual donation to the FFM is matched at $0.50 to $1. For example, a $50 donation becomes $75 in support, making our donors dollars go even further.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, FFM expanded its program assistance models to better meet community needs: Silver Lights (seniors 60+ and those with critical medical needs) and Power of One (single parent households with one adult and one
child under the age of 18). Coming soon: Stars and Stripes (active military, veterans and first responders).

Since 2013, FFM continues its four-star rating with Charity Navigator while also receiving Maryland Nonprofits Standards of Excellence certification. More importantly, $0.92 of every dollar donated to the FFM goes directly to a household in need.

We strongly believe that every Marylander deserves affordable access to the vital utilities that power their home so they can focus on family, school, work, and retirement, rather than merely surviving.

Necessity Knows No Season. Donate today at www.fuelfundmaryland.org/donate.

The Fuel Fund of Maryland aims to be a lifeline for our vulnerable Maryland neighbors struggling with a home utility hardship. We assist by providing navigation through an array of financial and community resources that empower, engage, and safely connect a household in times of crisis.

• • FFM is the first Fuel Fund in the country.
  • FFM does not receive any federal, state, city and/or county funding.
  • .92 of every dollar goes directly to a household in need—.50 of every dollar donated is matched by BGE.
  • New programs: Silver Lights, Power of One, and Stars & Stripes.
  • Necessity Knows No Season.