About Us
Project COPE is administered through the Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation.
The foundation’s primary and only purpose is to procure funding for and provide utilities payment assistance to the customers of Colorado Springs Utilities.
History of Project COPE
Utilities field workers have big hearts. After digging into their own pockets to assist customers experiencing difficult times, the decision was made to use unclaimed gas deposits to good use, and in 1983, Citizens Option to Provide Energy (Project COPE) was established. For many years, those funds sustained the project and provided approximately $1,000,000 in home heating subsidies. In 2007, the Colorado Springs Utilities Foundation was created. Since then, Project COPE has relied on contributions from Utilities customers, businesses and employees supplemented by foundation grants to provide funding for over $10 million in support. Colorado Springs Utilities is doing its part by matching all customer contributions, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000 annually!
Project COPE provides emergency utility financial assistance to Colorado Springs Utilities customers who are past due and/or facing utilities disconnection. Project COPE strives to help customers meet some of their most basic shelter needs during difficult times. People without utilities lack access to water, heat, electricity, and wastewater disposal. In many instances, renters may be evicted if utilities are disconnected. When this happens, utilities mean far more than warmth and light. They become a means for shelter.
Qualifying customers are often those who fall into the “at-risk” category including low-income customers, the elderly, single parents, the disabled, the unemployed, and individuals coping with catastrophic illness. However, Project COPE is not a monthly handout – nor is it income based. Project COPE provides a bridge from a time of crisis to a chance for stability. Individuals and families are given a utilities assistance grant to help move their utility bill from arrears to current.
Project COPE relies on 10 nonprofit partner agencies to work directly with customer applicants. This model offers all customers much more than utility assistance, as nonprofit case workers work to assess additional needs and offer additional resources. Case workers are also required to help these customers develop a budget and identify steps toward financial stability. Project COPE administrative costs are covered 100% by Colorado Springs Utilities – truly a worthwhile investment for your tax-deductible donation.
Financial statements
Thank you to our largest sponsor