Nicor Gas focuses its charitable giving on five pillars. Grants are most likely to be awarded to organizations that fall into one of the five focus areas noted below and whose programs benefit those within Nicor Gas’ service area. Grant applications open and close based on the schedule defined below.
Grant Application Schedule
Environmental Stewardship
Open March 30-May 31
Community and Culture
April 15-June 30
Family and Social Services
May 15-July 31
Basic Human Needs
June 15-August 31
Education and Workforce Development
July 15-September 30
Open Applications
Our Five Pillars
Basic Human Needs
A healthy and stable community is a thriving community. We invest in nonprofit organizations with programs that provide individuals in our communities with the basic necessities as well as promote stability and wellness.
What We Fund
Our Basic Human Needs pillar is focused on services where there is a critical or acute need to solve problems immediately. Organizations funded under this pillar include those that provide food, shelter, clothing and disaster relief. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of programs that promote access to basic needs, including but not limited to:
- Food banks, food pantries and food distribution programs
- Transitional and emergency shelter programs
- Access to essential needs such as clothing, hygiene and other supplies
- Disaster relief programs
We do not provide grants that support animal health or services, hospitals or medical clinics, or single-cause health organizations.
Community and Culture
At Nicor Gas, we know that the many facets of community and culture make our company better and our communities stronger. We invest in nonprofit organizations with programs that contribute to the vitality and livability of our neighborhoods and provide opportunities and access for all.
What We Fund
Our Community and Culture pillar provides support to cultural and community organizations that create engagement in the arts and organizations that work to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and reach their full potential. Organizations funded under this pillar include museums and theatres and organizations that create access to opportunities for all. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of programs that promote community and culture, including but not limited to:
- Arts education and cultural enrichment programs
- Community-based exhibitions and performances
- Programs that promote access to resources and opportunity for all
Education and Workforce Development
The path to economic mobility and enhanced opportunities includes education and career readiness. Our primary focus is on institutions that offer areas of study important to our business and from which we are interested in recruiting members of our future workforce.
What We Fund
Our Education and Workforce Development pillar primarily supports secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities as well as technical/vocational programs. We value partnerships that align with our workforce development initiatives, improving awareness of careers in energy and helping to develop a qualified workforce. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of education-related programs including but not limited to:
- Skill building and job training programs
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and initiatives
- Access to post-secondary education opportunities
- Mentoring and tutoring programs
We do not provide grants that support primary or secondary schools or their educational foundations.
Environmental Stewardship
Natural gas is a clean fuel alternative. We are committed to protecting our environment. We invest in nonprofit organizations with programs that contribute to clean air, conservation and green space.
What We Fund
Our Environmental Stewardship pillar supports efforts that directly result in more customer and employee engagement in the natural environment through conservation and sustainable activities. Special consideration is given to organizations or projects focused on cleaner fuel, protecting our environment, clean air, conservation, and establishment or preservation of green space. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of programs that promote environmental stewardship, including but not limited to:
- Ecological restoration or preservation initiatives
- Installation or maintenance of pollinator friendly habitats
- Environmental education programs
- Programs that increase or improve access to natural spaces
We do not provide grants for beautification efforts that are not tied to specific environmental initiatives, development initiatives not tied to environmental stewardship, or grants that are exclusively meant to purchase or maintain equipment.
Family and Social Services
Strong communities depend on good citizens working together. We invest in nonprofit organizations with programs that support families, improve quality of life, foster resilience and enhance social welfare.
What We Fund
The Family and Social Services pillar provides support to social services programs. We focus on communities where stabilization needs are the greatest. Organizations funded under this pillar include social services agencies, non-core health services such as mental health, substance abuse, disability services, and organizations that target civic development. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of programs that promote community and social services, including but not limited to:
- Mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs
- Domestic violence prevention and treatment programs
- Disability services programs
- Family support services programs
- Rehabilitation programs
Who Can Apply?
Eligible organizations that support one of the five pillar focus areas and whose programs benefit those within Nicor Gas’ service area are encouraged to apply for a pillar grant.
Maximum Grant Amounts
We have grant limits for pillar grants of no more than $5,000, and organizations will be limited to one grant a year.
Eligibility Requirements
Nicor Gas considers grant requests only from those organizations classified as 501(c)(3), tax-exempt by the IRS. Contributions are not made to:
- Organizations that are not tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Individuals
- Sporting teams
- Social or recreational groups
- Primary or secondary schools or their educational foundations
- Religious-based organizations in support of their sacramental or theological functions
- Dinners, galas or events
- Political parties, groups or candidates
- Endowment or debt reduction drives
- Capital projects
- Runs, walks or 5Ks
General FAQ
How do I submit a grant request?
We have moved our grant application process fully online. Please use the specific pillar application link to submit your grant application in our online application system.
When should I apply for a grant?
Each pillar of giving has a unique application that opens and closes according to the schedule below.
- Environmental Stewardship: March 30-May 31
- Community and Culture: April 15 - June 30
- Family and Social Services: May 15 - July 31
- Basic Human Needs: June 15 - August 31
- Education: July 15 - August 31
Which pillar should I apply for?
Nicor Gas focuses its charitable giving on five pillars. Basic Human Needs, Community and Culture, Family and Social Services, Education and Workforce Development, and Environmental Stewardship. Each pillar is defined under Our Pillars of Giving. If you are still unsure which pillar your organization or grant qualifies under, please send us an email at nicorgascontributions@southernco.com and we will help you identify the best fit.
Does my organization qualify for a grant?
Nicor Gas considers grant requests only from those organizations classified as 501(c)(3), tax-exempt by the IRS. Nicor Gas does not contribute to individuals, religious organizations or private K-12 schools. Contributions are not made to:
- Organizations that are not tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Individuals
- Sporting teams
- Social or recreational groups
- Primary or secondary schools or their foundations
- Religious-based organizations in support of their sacramental or theological functions
- Dinners, galas or events
- Political parties, groups or candidates
- Endowment or debt reduction drives
Additionally, each pillar may have other funding limitations. Please fully review the Guidelines and What We Fund for each pillar prior to starting an application.
What is required for the Application Process?
In general, the following information is required for each grant application.
- Organization information, including name and address, Tax ID, mission and target audience.
- Contact information for key contacts
- A description of the project, requested dollar amount, overall project budget, estimated start and end dates, and areas served
- A valid 501(c)(3) letter
If your application is approved, you will also need to submit:
- An invoice for the total amount of the grant
- A W-9
- Any project metrics identified as a condition of grant approval
Will there be a meeting to discuss my request?
We will contact you if a meeting is needed.
Funding decisions and limitations FAQ
How many times may I apply?
We typically award only one grant or sponsorship per organization each calendar year.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount of donation?
Yes. Grants may not exceed $5,000.
When will funding decisions be made?
Funding decisions will be announced 60 days after the pillar application period closes. All applicants will receive a communication indicating whether their request was approved.
Why was my application declined?
We sincerely regret that we are unable to fund each request that helps to support a worthy program. Our decision does not reflect the value of a program but rather reflects the limitations of our contribution budget and program guidelines. Applications may be declined for a variety of reasons, including:
- The requests we receive for funding exceed our annual giving resources
- The organization is not a 501(c)(3) or does not meet our other requirements for funding
- The request does not fit under the pillar selected
Need More Help?
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please email us at nicorgascontributions@southernco.com and we will get back to you within 3 business days.
