Surprise FirstEnergy Foundation "Gifts of the Season" Grants Make Spirits Bright for West Virginia and Maryland Nonprofits
Awards of $20,000 each will help provide food, shelter and essential services
FAIRMONT, W.Va., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, the FirstEnergy Foundation is sharing the spirit of giving by awarding $40,000 in "Gifts of the Season" grants to two nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in West Virginia and Maryland communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) electric companies. Altogether, the Gifts of the Season program will provide a total of $100,000 to eight nonprofits across five states in FirstEnergy's service area in 2025.
As part of a commitment to help address housing insecurity and youth development, the Foundation awarded grants to organizations that meet critical needs of families in FirstEnergy's West Virginia and Maryland service area:
- Ronald McDonald House Morgantown ($20,000): The grant will help about 42 families stay comfortably at Ronald McDonald House Morgantown through the Jacob Johnson Family Lodging Fund. Since opening in 1990, Ronald McDonald House Morgantown has provided comfort and support to out-of-town families of children receiving medical care in the area. More than 200 families stay at Ronald McDonald House Morgantown annually, and many more are served through its day guest services.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, Md. ($20,000): This grant will fund extra learning opportunities for approximately 150 children served by the organization. Since 1956, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has paired adult mentors with children, helping them build strong, positive relationships that shape young lives.
Jim Myers, FirstEnergy's President of West Virginia and Maryland: "This season reminds us how important it is to come together and support our neighbors in ways that have an impact. By supporting organizations that provide food, shelter and life-changing opportunities, we're helping families find comfort in times of need and empowering our youth to thrive."
Marking 10 Years of Impact and Inclusion
Since 2016, the FirstEnergy Foundation's "Gifts of the Season" program has supported local nonprofits and community initiatives that bring people together and make our neighborhoods stronger. Now celebrating its 10th year, the program continues to grow and adapt to meet community needs, reflecting FirstEnergy's commitment to inclusion and care. The Foundation has been able to provide $1.2 million in grants since the "Gifts of the Season" program began.
About the FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that serve and meet the critical needs of customers in communities served by FirstEnergy's electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. To date in 2025, the Foundation has distributed more than $5.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's operational area.
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. For more information about grant opportunities or corporate sponsorships, visit the FirstEnergy Foundation webpage or email inquiries to FirstEnergy's Community Involvement team.
FirstEnergy Corp. is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.