Consumers Energy Foundation Provides $77,500 to Help Southwest Michigan Recover from Tornadoes

Portage, Mich. Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Consumers Energy Foundation today is making $77,500 in grants to help six Southwest Michigan nonprofits provide essential services to residents and businesses affected by last week’s powerful tornadoes.

“Consumers Energy is committed to helping the people of Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Branch counties rebuild from this devastation, and we hope these funds will make an immediate difference,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation.

The Consumers Energy Foundation announced grants to the following organizations:

• American Red Cross - Michigan Region Disaster Services ($20,000)
• Kalamazoo Community Foundation – Community Urgent Relief Fund ($20,000)
• United Way of South Central Michigan – Disaster Relief Fund ($20,000)
• United Way of St. Joseph County – Disaster Relief Fund ($7,500)
• Kalamazoo Salvation Army – Disaster Response ($5,000)
• Branch County Community Foundation – Emergency Relief Fund ($5,000)

Donations to these organizations from Consumers Energy employees and retirees are eligible to be matched by the Consumers Energy Foundation.

Last week’s severe weather caused significant damage and power outages for over 34,000 homes and businesses in the region, while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency. Consumers Energy on Saturday provided hundreds of free meals to local residents to show appreciation for their patience.

“We want residents of Southwest Michigan to know we will continue to stand with them and help the community today and for the long run,” Hofmeister said. “We are focused on disaster relief and will continue to work with community leaders to support solutions that add to the region’s long-term recovery.”

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important -- our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2023, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $11 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

###

Media Contacts: Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545, or Kristen Van Kley, 517-581-0957