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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ensure your organization serves within a NiSource company service area: Where We Serve
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.