Weekly Funding Opportunity: FirstEnergy Foundation

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Each week, Neighborhood Networks provides potential funding sources to help centers develop and improve programs and services. Featured this week is the FirstEnergy Foundation.

FirstEnergy Corporation is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation's fifth largest investor-owned electric system, serving 4.5 million customers within 36,100 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Program Areas: The FirstEnergy Foundation's contributions to local nonprofit organizations that help strengthen the social and economic fabric of its communities. Funded solely by FirstEnergy, the foundation extends the corporate philosophy of providing community support.

The FirstEnergy Foundation considers grants that:

	Help improve the vitality of its 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.

Targeted Areas: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.

Eligibility: Eligible organizations must qualify as nonprofit and tax-exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Minimum eligibility requirements for the applicant's organization also 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, fundraising, accountability, and budget.

The FirstEnergy Foundation generally does not consider funding for:

	Direct grants to individuals or 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.

Award Amount: Award amounts vary.

Application Process: A copy of the IRS exemption letter must be submitted with any grant application. FirstEnergy Foundation accepts and considers grant requests on a monthly basis that are submitted with the FirstEnergy Foundation Grant Application Form.

The grant application should include:

	A copy of the IRS exemption letter must be submitted with any grant application.
	The purpose, amount, and need for the grant requested.
	The area served by the applicant's organization.
	A brief history of the organization.
	Measurements of the organization's service outputs.
	A list of the organization's officers and trustees.

Deadlines: Ongoing.

Contact: For additional information about the FirstEnergy Foundation, please contact:

Mary Beth Carroll
President FirstEnergy Foundation
76 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44308
Phone: (330) 761-4246