Nicor Gas opens applications for basic needs, education and workforce development grants to support nonprofit organizations

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – July 1, 2025 – Starting July 1, Nicor Gas will open two grant applications under the pillars of basic needs and education and workforce development grants. Applications are available at www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving through August 31, with funding decisions by the end of October. Selected nonprofits and community organizations will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funds this year.

Basic Needs
The Basic 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

Education and Workforce Development
The 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

Last year, the company provided grant support to over 40 organizations including:

Basic Needs

• Connections for the Homeless - Provides homelessness prevention services, emergency shelter services, short and long-term housing services and advocacy services for people facing homelessness.
• Coal City Food Pantry - Provides food including dry goods, dairy and fresh meat to support families experiencing food insecurity in the Coal City area.
• Outreach House - Provides access to basic needs including food, diapers and clothing for all ages.

Education and Workforce Development

• Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County - Provides a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) program to promote interest in and awareness of STEAM for youth in all grade levels.
• Career and Networking Center - Provides services aimed at enhancing economic stability including career development workshops, job placement services, skill enhancement programs and individual career counseling.
• Literacy DuPage - Supports a program to aid English language learners to acquire English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

To submit an application for a basic needs grant or an education and workforce development grant, click here.

Please contact our charitable giving team at nicorgascontributions@aglresources.com if you have any questions about the appropriate pillar for your organization and program.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to its communities, visit www.NicorGas.com/Community.

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About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Crain's 2024 Best Place to Work in Chicago and Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is committed to a goal of net zero emissions from its operations by 2050, and we are working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com. 

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southernco.com