MONTANA FUEL FUND

• The Energy Share program in Montana is funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations, churches, and utilities.  In 2002 it paid $578,540 in benefits and provided an average of $248 per applicant for fuel bill obligations or emergency heating system repairs. The fund is unique in that it provides assistance as a loan rather than a grant and encourages recipients to repay their loans so that the money can be used to help another household in need.
  
  In 1997, Energy Share established an endowment, made possible by state legislation that provides a 50 percent tax credit for planned gifts and corporate donations to a qualifying endowment.
  

LEVERAGING

2002: $578,540
2001: $580,228
2000: $405,288
1999: $162,612
1998: $162,612
1997: $166,188
1996: $112,293
1995: $96,601