Nicor Gas opens applications for Family and Social Services and Basic Needs grants

NAPERVILLE, Ill., July 2, 2026 - Nicor Gas announces $100,000 in grant funding now available for qualifying  family and social services and basic needs organizations. Selected nonprofits and community organizations may apply for grants and will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in funds this year.  

“Strong communities begin with compassion in action. Through our Family and Social Services and Basic Needs pillars, we invest in organizations that uplift families while also addressing critical and immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing and disaster relief,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas. “By supporting both long-term stability and urgent essentials, we help strengthen resilience and build pathways to well-being for all.”

Organizations may apply for Family and Social Services grants now through  July 31. This grant supports social services agencies, non-core health services such as mental health, substance abuse treatment, 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 

Basic Needs applications opened June 15 and will close on Aug. 31. Grants awarded in this category are given to organizations which 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

Qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may apply for these family and social services pillar grants and basic needs grants from Nicor Gas at www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving to support their initiatives.  

As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, Nicor Gas is committed to supporting family and social services programming and the basic needs in the communities it serves.  Last year, the company awarded $100,000 in family and social services grants to 21 organizations and $100,000 in basic needs grants to 23 organizations. Grants included: 

Family and Social Services:

• Gigi’s Playhouse: Supported a program that promoted the development of speech and communication skills, gross and fine motor skills, social skills, self-care skills and play and leisure skills for individuals with Down Syndrome. 

• Kids Above All: Provided trauma-informed therapy services for kids, teens and families including cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, play-based therapy and mindfulness practices using a sliding scale fee approach.  

Basic Needs:

• Loaves and Fishes Community Services: Supported the food assistance program which included client choice, curbside pickup, online ordering and food delivery.
• PADS of Elgin: Supported an intake and outreach program for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in northern Kane County.  

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

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 Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit NicorGas.com.

Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southernco.com