NIPSCO Environmental Action Grant Promotes Environmental Stewardship

rot2NIPSCO is accepting applications for its environmental action grant to support local nonprofit organizations with environmental initiatives. In its second year, NIPSCO’s Environmental Action Grant program aims to provide funding for restoration and education projects throughout northern Indiana.

“This is part of our commitment to support and build partnerships with organizations focused on improving the environmental quality in our communities,” said Larry Graham, executive director of public affairs and communications. “Our goal is to encourage pioneering environmental projects that otherwise might not happen.”

Prior-year funding recipients included environmental groups, community groups, schools and other nonprofit organizations. In 2016, the NIPSCO Environmental Action Grant funded 14 projects with a total of $50,000. Projects included habitat, shoreline, pond and wetland restoration; outdoor and environmental education; native seed planting; and more.

Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 or other nonprofit (as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) with an environmental project focus and have a direct impact in the NIPSCO service area.

Grants are available in the amount of $500 to $5,000. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2017, with grant awards announced the week prior to Earth Day, April 22.

Nonprofit organizations with an environmental restoration or education project are invited to submit a grant request through NIPSCO’s online request portal at NIPSCO.com/Community. When submitting an application online, please select the “Environmental Action Grant” option from the “Type of Support” drop-down menu on the application. Creating opportunities for volunteerism is an important part of the grant, in addition to providing monetary support to the organization.

To learn what else you can do to help support the environment, and to see what NIPSCO is doing, visit NIPSCO.com/Environment.

About NIPSCO:
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company, and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 810,000 natural gas and 460,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) seven regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 4 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and www.nisource.com.