NiSource Charitable Foundation
Pillars for Giving
Basic Needs & Safety
Assisting emergent human needs for food, shelter, heating, and general safety.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Supporting mission-driven organizations and causes with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Environmental Stewardship
Advocating for the responsible use, protection, and restoration of natural resources through reliable conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
STEM Education & Economic Development
Encouraging education and training in science, technology, engineering, and math to bolster workforce development and community vitality.
About the NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1990 to support the communities where NiSource customers and employees live and work. The Foundation offers support for people and communities by providing charitable grants to nonprofit organizations aligned with the Foundation’s mission and Pillars for Giving and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Charitable programs include:
Community Grants
Community grants for nonprofits in NiSource and its subsidiaries six-state service area.
Dollars for Doers
‘Dollars for Doers,’ an employee volunteer hours matching program.
Board Service Grants
Grants recognizing nonprofit board service by employee leaders.
Scholarships
A competitive collegiate scholarship program for children of employees.
Community Impact
Dollars for Doers
NiSource, Columbia Gas, and NIPSCO employees enjoy supporting the communities where they live and work.
The NiSource Charitable Foundation offers a Dollars for Doers giving program to recognize employee volunteerism. The program provides financial donations, or service grants, to 501(c)(3) nonprofits based on the number of volunteer hours performed by employees.
Employees Giving Back
Every year, NiSource employees roll up their sleeves to donate blood at work. They collect warm winter clothing, school supplies, nonperishable food, and toys for local charities.To support this charitable effort, NiSource and its subsidiaries offer more than 200 group volunteer opportunities each year. These events include community beautification projects, stocking food pantries, delivering meals, planting native pollinators for wildlife, and serving our veterans.
Our Reach
We are proud that our employees care so much for people and the planet. Visit each state to learn about their unique offerings and accomplishments.
Columbia Gas of Kentucky
Columbia Gas of Maryland
Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Funding Guidelines
Request Criteria
The NiSource Charitable Foundation evaluates requests on the following criteria: strategic alignment, resource availability, project or program impact, visibility and recognition, and organizational priorities. The Foundation reserves the right to decline any request, change guidelines without notice or reduce any gift amounts in accordance with corporate budgets, program guidelines or conflict of interest with NiSource.
What we fund
- We provide contributions and volunteer time to 501(c)(3) organizations located within our service territory.
- We give preference to organizations that align with our giving areas and/or have high employee engagement.
- Eligible organizations must service the community without discrimination based on:
- race
- color
- religion
- natural origin or ancestry
- veteran status
- disability
- gender age
- marital status
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
- genetic information
- any other protected group status as defined by law - Notwithstanding, organizations that offer gender-based programs or have programs and services designed to benefit a specific population will not be considered discriminatory for this reason alone.
What we do not fund
- Non-academic school activities, including bands, proms, choirs, or graduations
- Individuals for any purpose
- Athletes, teams or sporting events
- Fashion shows, animal shows, pageants or talent competitions
- Individuals seeking scholarship, field trip, or travel assistance
- Religious or sectarian organizations unless engaged in a significant project benefiting the entire community
- Organizations that discriminate against any person or group for any reason
- Publications, displays, advertising, audio, or video productions
- Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) charities
- Organizations outside of our service territory
- Political candidates, committees, or organizations
- Professional or amateur team sponsorship (including sports) or fundraising competitions (including athletic fundraising events)
- Social clubs, including sororities or fraternities
- State tax credit programs
Applications
Location
Ensure your organization serves within a NiSource company service area: Where We Serve
Prepare to Apply
The NiSource Charitable Foundation has partnered with Blackbaud YourCause for managing charitable funding and volunteer events. To participate, ensure your 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has an updated profile on YourCause NPOconnect. It is recommended to register for electronic funds transfer (ACH) for faster payment of any awarded funds.
For more details, refer to the Blackbaud Giving Fund guide: Getting Started with NPOconnect: A Simple Guide to Setting Up and Optimizing Your Profile.
State Guidelines Match
Please describe the program, how funds will be spent, and expected outcomes. Please read the Grant Guidelines.
Reach out to a state contact to see how your project may fit within the state’s charitable funding plan for that year. The foundation’s fiscal year runs from January-December. If your organization is requesting funding in multiple state areas, please reach out to the contact for each state. Use the Contact Us form to connect with your state contact.
Review
The Public Affairs or Community Engagement Manager may request additional information on your project to assess how the request aligns with giving strategy and Foundation giving pillars.
If you, in consultation with the state contact, determine that your organization meets the grant criteria, you will be given information on how to apply via our online application portal or other directions in applying. Faxed, mailed, or emailed requests will not be considered.
Selection Process
There are many deserving non-profit entities doing wonderful work in the community. The NiSource Charitable Foundation each year receives more requests than it can support. In accordance with our mission and grant-giving criteria, we do our very best to accommodate as many requests as possible.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
Please have 501(c)(3) documentation, a completed W9, Tax ID/EIN number, contact name and a mailing address for any grant funding that may be awarded. Organizations must have current 501(c)(3) status.
Information entered in the application should be accurate and consistent with the grantseeker’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Discrepancies in name, address, and 501(c)(3) status will delay consideration and awards.
Questions? Fill out our contact form to reach your area's representative.
The Foundation
Board of Trustees
