Consumers Energy Support for Basic Needs Programs in Michigan to More Than Triple to $500,000 in 2010

JACKSON, Mich., May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Aware that many in Michigan are struggling, Consumers Energy announced today that it will more than triple its support for basic needs programs in the state, increasing grants from $150,000 to $500,000 this year.

The grants come from a donor-advised fund established by Consumers Energy's parent company, CMS Energy, and held by the United Way of Jackson County.

"This increased funding will help some of Michigan's most vulnerable residents get through the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression," said David G. Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation.  "We're significantly increasing our support to some of the leading assistance organizations in the state, so they'll be able to reach out and help more people.  We're also encouraging our employees to continue their century-plus tradition of helping those in need by contributing to local food banks and shelters, which are struggling to meet record-high requests for aid."

One of Consumers Energy's key partners – the Michigan Association of United Ways – supports the utility's contribution to expanding outreach systems to improve service delivery to at-risk state residents.

"Consumers Energy is making a positive difference in Michigan by these grants to support basic needs programs," said Scott Dzurka, president and chief executive officer for the Michigan Association of United Ways.  "As a result of these contributions, more people will receive more help in a timelier manner."

In 2010, Consumers Energy will make the following grants from its donor-advised fund to support basic needs programs:

• $250,000 to Michigan Association of United Ways – Michigan Benefits Access Initiative to help Michigan families gain access to nearly 30 different federal benefits and tax credits
• $100,000 to Michigan Association of United Ways – Michigan 211 to support statewide coverage of the 211 system
• $100,000 for a special one-month matching program for CMS Energy employees who contribute to a nonprofit organization providing food or shelter to Michigan residents
• $50,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan for fresh food distribution through its member food banks.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy.  It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community and civic development, culture and the arts, social services, the environment, and emerging issues.   For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation and its support of America's Promise, visit our website at www.consumersenergy.com/foundation.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy