Nicor Gas opens grant applications for community and culture; family and social services

NAPERVILLE, Ill – May 30, 2025 - Beginning June 1, Nicor Gas will open two grant applications under the pillars of community and culture and family and social services. Applications will be accepted through July 31 at www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving, with funding decisions by the end of September. Selected nonprofits and community organizations will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funds this year.

"At Nicor Gas, our commitment to investing in community and culture and social services through nonprofit organizations enriches our company and empowers our communities by fostering community vitality, cultural engagement and access to resources," said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas.

Community and Culture
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 theaters and organizations that create access to opportunities for all. Nicor Gas supports many programs that promote community and culture, including but not limited to:

• Arts education and cultural enrichment programs
• Community-based exhibitions and performances

Family and Social Services
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

Last year, the company provided grant support to:

Community and Culture -

• DuPage Foundation – Sponsorship for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast.
• Freeport Arts Center – Supports the smArt After School program, which engages underserved youth in dynamic visual and performing arts activities to build problem solving skills and boost self-confidence.

Family and Social Services -

• The Harbour – Supports a Youth Advisory Board for formerly homeless youth, including leadership training, wraparound support services and advocacy opportunities.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness– Supports an education and support services program that addresses chronic mental illness using a comprehensive approach to education and treatment options.
• Illinois Valley Industries– Supports programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities in Grundy County including independent living skills and community access and engagement programs.

To submit an application for a community and culture grant or a family and social services grant, click here.

For questions about eligibility or application process, please contact the charitable giving team at nicorgascontributions@aglresources.com.

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