NYSEG and RG&E Donate Additional $300,000 to Local Emergency COVID-19 Response and Recovery Effort

BINGHAMTON, NY — May 7, 2020  — NYSEG, an AVANGRID company, in conjunction with the Avangrid Foundation announced today an additional donation of $175,000 to emergency response organizations across its service area to support their ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. The funds will be distributed as follows: $125,000 to various community relief funds and $50,000 to 14 food resource organizations and programs. 

“We’re proud to support local organizations that are helping our neighbors and strengthening our communities,” said Carl A. Taylor, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “Supporting the communities we serve will always be a priority for our company – whether that be through providing safe and reliable service or supporting nonprofits in times of need.”

The community relief funds provide support to counties across New York state through their multiple partners:

• Central New York COVID-19 Community Support Fund, Cayuga County COVID-19 and the Madison County Rural Poverty Fund: $50,000
• Western NY COVID-19 Community Response Fund: $50,000
• Community Foundation for South Central NY COVID-19 Response Fund: $25,000

The 14 food resource organizations and programs address food insecurity throughout the state. They include various County Office for the Aging departments and Community Action Partnerships, Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army Empire State Division and local food pantries.

In addition to the $175,000 donation, NYSEG’s its sister company, RG&E, and the Avangrid Foundation announced a $125,000 donation to Rochester Community Crisis Fund and five food resource organizations in its service area. In total, NYSEG and RG&E have contributed $575,000 to local emergency response organizations in New York state. The company also previously announced several steps to assist customers that have suffered financial hardships as a result of the virus.

For more information, visit NYSEG’s COVID-19 response page.

NYSEG Contributions

• The Salvation Army Empire State Division: $20,000
• Broome County Office for the Aging: $3,000
• Cayuga County Office for the Aging: $2,500
• Meals on Wheels of Chemung County: $2,500
• Clinton County Office for the Aging: $2,500
• Community Action Partnership for Dutchess: $2,500
• Otsego County Office for the Aging: $2,500
• Putnam Community Action Partnership: $2,500
• Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless: $2,500
• Foodnet Meals on Wheel: $2,500
• Community Center of Northern Westchester: $2,500
• Tioga County Rural Ministries: $1,500
• Endwell United Methodist Church: $1,500
• Tri-Community Food Pantry: $1,500

Statements from Partners

• “We know that non-profits are facing unprecedented demands for services as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This generous grant from the Avangrid Foundation will greatly increase our ability to help organizations help the residents of our region stay safe and healthy as the pandemic evolves.” said Diane Brown, Executive Director. Community Foundation for South Central New York.

• “We are grateful for Avangrid Foundation/NYSEG’s contribution. It has been inspiring to see so many companies and foundations contribute to the COVID-19 Community Support Fund. Their contribution will help Central New York residents that are disproportionately impacted by the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Peter Dunn, President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation.

• “This unparalleled coordinated community effort in Western New York to mobilize immediate help to organizations responding on the frontlines of the COVID-19 community crisis has proven our resolve to create solutions together. We are truly grateful for the Avangrid Foundation’s support of this collective effort, along with the hundreds of other Foundations, Corporations, community leaders and individuals who have given generously. To learn more about the Fund and the grantees, visit WNYResponds.org,” said Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, President/CEO of Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

• "Otsego County Office for the Aging has seen a nearly 50% increase in requests for home delivered meals due to the expanded isolation from this pandemic. We are thrilled to receive support from NYSEG to help meet this increased demand for vulnerable older adults in our community,” said Tamie Reed, Director of Otsego County Office for the Aging.

• “The Salvation Army Empire State Division anticipates a significant increase in emergency assistance for low-wage employees who may be laid off or out of work completely as a result of the long term impact of COVID-19,” said Major Ivan Rock, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Empire State Division. “This donation will ensure services like rent or utility assistance or other basic needs or emergency assistance programs are available to those economically impacted by this pandemic. We couldn’t be more grateful to corporate partners like Avangrid who choose to come alongside neighbors in need through their support of The Salvation Army.”

• “The Broome County Office for Aging would like to thank NYSEG for their generous donation,” said Rita Fluharty, The Broome County Office for Aging Nutrition Services Coordinator. “Since the Covid 19 pandemic, Broome County Meals on Wheels has already seen an over 50% increase in the number of meals served in our community! The monies received from NYSEG will be used to purchase additional equipment to support this growing need to serve our homebound neighbors in need of Meals on Wheels.”