Nicor Gas opens applications for second year ofenvironmental stewardship initiative grants

Company continues support of conservation, sustainable activities in the community

NAPERVILLE, IL. – February 23, 2023 – Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in funding to support environmental stewardship programs. This commitment expands on the company’s value of protecting the environment and enhancing natural green spaces through investments in nonprofit organizations that contribute to clean air, conservation, preservation and sustainable activities.

Starting March 1, 501(c)3 designated community organizations and nonprofits may apply for these environmental stewardship grants from Nicor Gas to support their initiatives. Applications are available at www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving through May 31, with funding decisions by July 31.

“Nicor Gas is committed to being good environmental stewards and we strive to ensure that the communities in which our customers live and work are healthy and thriving”, said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas. “We are proud to work with nonprofits across our service area whose efforts result in the conservation and restoration of natural environments.”

As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, Nicor Gas is committed to creating, maintaining and sustaining 10,000 acres of open space in its service area, and helping to achieve equitable access to cultural, educational and recreational spaces.

In 2022, the company distributed $52,000 in grants to 11 community organizations. Grants included:

·         Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge – An ecological restoration of land in McHenry County that will become a part of the National Wildlife Refuge once restored. Volunteer stewardship workdays engage high school students from local McHenry County schools, giving youth a sense of connection to protecting natural environments in their community.

·         Chicago Horticultural Society – Supports conservation and restoration of natural habitats including tallgrass prairies, deciduous woodlands and wetlands in suburban Cook County.

Over the decades, Nicor Gas has engaged in prairie restoration projects, participated in biodiversity-recovery efforts and supported conservation-focused organizations like the Chicago Zoological Society, Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, The Conservation Foundation and more. Selected nonprofits and community organizations will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funds this year.

To submit an application for the environmental stewardship grants, visit www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to the environment, visit www.NicorGas.com/Environment.