MONTANA FUEL FUND

• The Energy Share program in Montana is funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations, churches, and utilities.  In 2001 it paid $580,228 in benefits and provided up to $400 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 1994, 16 percent of the fund's individual contributions, or $15,520 came through paybacks from recipients.
  
  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. The endowment is expected to replace dwindling state funds. The state of Montana has been providing Energy Share with an average of $50,000 annually in oil overcharge funds, but this source will be depleted by July 2001.
  

LEVERAGING

2000: $405,288
1999: $162,612
1998: $162,612
1997: $166,188
1996: $112,293
1995: $96,601