NiSource – Community Grants Program (2026)

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Corporate Giving Supporting Safety, Environment, and Community Vitality

Organization: NiSource Charitable Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: NiSource service territories (IN, OH, PA, VA, KY, MD)

About the Funder

The NiSource Charitable Foundation supports nonprofit organizations located within NiSource’s utility service areas. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that strengthen communities, protect natural resources, and promote equal opportunity.

Funding decisions are guided by strategic alignment, community impact, employee engagement, visibility, and available resources. The Foundation’s fiscal year runs January–December.

Pillars of Giving

The Foundation focuses on five core areas:

Safety & Basic Needs

Programs addressing emergent human needs such as food, shelter, heating assistance, and general safety.

Community Connections

Initiatives that uplift communities through equal opportunity efforts and inclusive engagement.

Environmental Stewardship

Projects that protect, restore, and conserve natural resources through sustainable practices and responsible environmental management.

STEAM Education & Economic Development

Education and workforce development initiatives in science, technology, engineering, art, and math that strengthen community vitality and economic opportunity.

What the Foundation Funds

The Foundation provides contributions and volunteer engagement support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that:

Are located within NiSource service territory
Align with one or more of the Foundation’s giving pillars
Demonstrate meaningful community impact
Operate without discrimination

Preference may be given to organizations that offer meaningful employee engagement opportunities.

What the Foundation Does Not Fund

The Foundation does not support:

Individuals (including scholarships, travel, or field trips)
Athletic teams, sporting events, or fundraising competitions
Non-academic school activities (bands, proms, graduations)
Religious or sectarian organizations unless serving the entire community
Political candidates or committees
Social clubs, fraternities, or sororities
Publications, advertising, audio, or video productions
Organizations outside NiSource’s service territory
State tax credit programs

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Hold current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
Serve communities within NiSource’s service areas
Provide 501(c)(3) documentation, W-9, EIN, contact name, and mailing address
Ensure application information matches IRS records

Discrepancies in nonprofit status or organizational details may delay review.

Application Process

Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization serves within a NiSource company service area.
Review State Guidelines
Each state may have specific charitable funding priorities.
Contact Your State Representative
Reach out via the Contact Us form to discuss alignment before applying.
Submit Online Application
Applications are accepted through the Foundation’s online portal. Faxed, mailed, or emailed requests will not be considered.
Review & Selection
Public Affairs or Community Engagement Managers may request additional information. Funding decisions are made based on alignment, impact, and available budget.

Eligible States

Funding is available in the following NiSource service territories:

Indiana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Kentucky
Maryland

Organizations requesting funding in multiple states must contact each state representative separately.

Funding Amounts

The Foundation does not publish standard grant ranges. Award sizes vary depending on project scope, state priorities, and available corporate budgets.

Timeline

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling (varies by state)
📅 Fiscal Year: January–December
📅 Review Process: Ongoing throughout the year

Applicants are encouraged to connect with their state contact early in the calendar year.

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.nisource.com/community/nisource-charitable-foundation

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This program is best suited for nonprofits that:

Operate within NiSource utility service territories
Address basic needs, environmental stewardship, or STEAM education
Offer community-based programs with measurable outcomes
Provide opportunities for employee volunteer engagement

The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a strong fit for organizations delivering essential services and long-term community improvement within eligible states.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Rolling (state-based)
Geographic Restriction: IN, OH, PA, VA, KY, MD service areas
Best Suited For: Community-based nonprofits aligned with safety, environment, and STEAM priorities