Community Investment Program

Community Investment Program is sponsored by Columbia Gas of West Virginia (through NiSource Charitable Foundation). Columbia Gas of West Virginia, with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, offers grants and volunteerism support to charitable organizations in their service territory.

NiSource Charitable Foundation - NiSource NiSource Charitable Foundation To help create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work. 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 for nonprofits in NiSource and its subsidiaries six-state service area. ‘Dollars for Doers,’ an employee volunteer hours matching program.

Grants recognizing nonprofit board service by employee leaders. 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. 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.

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 Pennsylvania NIPSCO and NiSource Partner with TWI for Ecological Restoration, Land Preservation, and Community-Driven Planning Project in NW Indiana NIPSCO and NiSource Charitable Foundation Launch Bridging Our Energy Grant 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. 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: - natural origin or ancestry - 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.

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 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. 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. To review requirements or the application process specific to your state, please choose a link below.

Questions? Fill out our contact form to reach your area's representative. Executive Vice President and Group President, Utilities, NiSource Inc. Merrillville, IN 46410 Map NiSource in the Community Find a Career at NiSource