Environmental Action Grant

The 2026 Environmental Action Grant is administered by Columbia Gas of Ohio, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., and funded through the NiSource Charitable Foundation. Columbia Gas of Ohio positions itself as a trusted and innovative energy partner committed to supporting sustainable and strong communities. The Environmental Action Grant (EAG) is a strategic funding initiative aligned with the company's Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Giving and reflects its broader vision for environmental restoration, education, and public engagement. This grant program aims to provide financial support to environmentally focused projects that contribute to local habitat restoration, conservation, and public awareness. By funding projects that restore wildlife habitats and protect the environment, the EAG program furthers Columbia Gas’s goal of strengthening community action and environmental education. Projects that engage multiple groups, promote volunteerism among employees, and enhance visibility through potential media coverage are particularly encouraged. While the grant may be renewed on an annual basis, the 2026 offering is structured as a one-time award. Eligible organizations for this opportunity must be registered as 501(c)(3) entities or other nonprofit types recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Each proposal must focus on environmental restoration or education. Importantly, grant funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, capital projects, or capital-related purchases. Successful applicants will demonstrate a history of measurable outcomes, financial and leadership capacity, and a focused mission that supports the responsible use, protection, and restoration of natural resources. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle opened on February 9, 2026, and will close on April 3, 2026. All proposals must be submitted via the designated YourCause application portal. Applicants should specifically select “Yes” in response to the dropdown prompt “Are you applying for an Environmental Action Grant?” during the application process. Submissions that do not meet this technical requirement may not be reviewed. Grant recipients are expected to be notified in late April 2026. The review committee, composed of Columbia Gas of Ohio stakeholders, will assess each application based on several criteria, including mission alignment, organizational resources, public visibility, potential impact, and relevant skills to achieve stated outcomes. There is no mention of any pre-application requirement or Letter of Intent for this opportunity. This opportunity reflects Columbia Gas of Ohio’s commitment to empowering community-led environmental change and building a future grounded in stewardship, education, and ecological resilience.

Align with Environmental Stewardship pillar; ensure measurable impact and media engagement potential.