Columbia Gas of Ohio Launches Expanded Environmental Grant Program
Columbus, OH – Columbia Gas of Ohio is now accepting applications for its 2026 Environmental Action Grant, a program designed to support local environmental restoration and education initiatives. The program, funded through the NiSource Charitable Foundation, has been expanded to include all NiSource operating companies, marking a significant increase in available funding and reach.
The Environmental Action Grant offers one-time grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to eligible organizations. While the grants are currently one-time, potential for annual renewal exists. According to Columbia Gas of Ohio President & COO Bob Heidorn, the program reflects the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “As a utility company, we know firsthand how important it is to prioritize initiatives that help create and sustain a healthy environment,” Heidorn said. “With the support of our Foundation, the Environmental Action Grant program allows us to strengthen our communities by investing in projects that promote environmental stewardship and protect our natural resources.”
The program originated at Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) in Indiana, where approximately $700,000 has been awarded to over 170 projects over the past decade. NiSource, the parent company of both Columbia Gas of Ohio and NIPSCO, is extending the program’s benefits to customers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Reggie Fields, Executive Director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation, emphasized the program’s potential for fostering long-term community partnerships. “We’ve seen this program support small, local projects that grew into meaningful, long-term community partnerships,” Fields stated. “By expanding this program across every community we serve, we’re creating space for new ideas and relationships that strengthen environmental stewardship with benefits lasting well beyond that initial grant.”
To be eligible for the grant, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or otherwise recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service and propose an environmentally focused project. Funding will not be provided for general operating expenses, capital projects, or related purchases.
The application process opened on February 9, 2026, and will close on April 3, 2026. Organizations selected to receive funding will be notified in late April 2026, coinciding with Earth Day. Applications must be submitted through the YourCause form, and applicants should select “Yes” when asked if they are applying for an Environmental Action Grant in the introductory section.
Reviewers, comprised of Columbia Gas of Ohio stakeholders, will assess applications based on several criteria, including alignment with the NiSource Charitable Foundation’s Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Giving, potential for employee volunteer opportunities, and the project’s ability to strengthen community action and education programs. Organizations will also be evaluated on their financial capacity and leadership commitment.
Applicants are required to submit a project description and goals, a detailed budget, information about the target audience, a project timeline, and an evaluation method. The program prioritizes projects that protect the environment and restore wildlife habitats within the communities served by Columbia Gas of Ohio.
Interested organizations can find more information and apply for the Environmental Action Grant at https://www.columbiagasohio.com/our-company/about-us/columbia-cares/environmental-action-grant.
