Some Relief in Ohio, Minnesota and Kansas for the Propane Crisis

The disruption of propane supplies has sparked response through the country.  Unfortunately, this has pretty much been in the form of relaxed shipping and trucking regulations.  Unlike natural gas and electric companies, there is little in the way of outright financial assistance.

But some relief in various forms is available in some places in the U.S.  In Ohio, Prism Propane can't cut the costs--or the shortage--but they are evenly short-filling their fuel to their customers.  They are also offering their customers electric heaters at cost to help them fill the heating void.  If you're a customer, call 877-887-7476 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to reserve yours.

In a couple of states, there are some financial relief programs just for propane users.  In Minnesota, hotlines have been set up for propane users who need to be directed to the state liheap program or, for those who don't qualify, to nonprofit agencies that can help.  Several sources of help have sprung up, and the information is here.

In Kansas, a propane energy relief program  has been set up.  Applications will be taken through March 4th from families making between 130% and 180% of the poverty level.  Households with lower income than that are encouraged to apply for the regular liheap program.

For all heating issues, try your own state's low-income heating programs to see what they may have for you.

Roundup of Some Micro Grants for Business, Individuals

What’s a micro grant? It’s generally a very small grant that doesn’t have to be paid back. They are fairly common for nonprofit agencies, but can businesses and individuals get them too? Depends on where you are, who you are, and what you plan to do with the money.

Probably the most famous giver of micro grants is Modest Needs, a nonprofit that takes requests for very small grants for specific purposes—car repair, or a trip to visit a dying relative—and allows others to vote on and donate money to fulfill that need.
But there are some others IIW (Investing in Women) has some yearly grants for entrepreneurial women, including Seeds for Success (not really so small, since it’s $20,000), and the Amber Grants, as well as listing some from other organizations.  There's also the Huggies MomInspired Grant Program and PeaChic grants.   The Partnership for Community Development in Hamilton, NY is giving micro grants specifically to for-profit businesses in that area. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Microgrants is a nonprofit organization looking for people for whom a grant of about $1,000 may help them up to the next rung in life. They specifically are looking for people “with potential” who are determined to improve their lot in life, and applicants are vetted for their potential. If you live in the Twin Cities and have the potential to improve your life with a small grant, Microgrants might be for you.