News Release: 2/11/2026

NIPSCO ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GRANT
Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives invited to apply

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area.

“Being an engaged corporate citizen means caring for the places we call home,” said Rick Calinski, Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development at NIPSCO. “Through our Environmental Action Grant, NIPSCO is proud to invest in local projects that protect natural resources, strengthen communities, and help organizations create meaningful, long-term‑ environmental and social benefits.

Now in its 11th year, the Environmental Action Grant has historically awarded approximately $700,000 to nearly 170 projects, with an emphasis on environmental education and restoration across northern Indiana. Last year, 26 initiatives from local organizations were selected by the grant review committee, each receiving between $500-$5,000 in funding.

NiSource is the parent company of NIPSCO and the Columbia Gas brands, serving customers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. In 2026, the NiSource Charitable Foundation expanded the Environmental Action Grant program to NiSource operating companies in those other states.

 “This program holds tremendous possibilities. The Wetlands Initiative was initially funded through this program, and today it stands as one of NIPSCO’s key partners in a major ecological restoration effort in Northwest Indiana,” said Reggie Fields, Executive Director, NiSource Charitable Foundation. “By expanding this program, we hope to cultivate new partnerships that advance environmental stewardship.”

Many of the funded initiatives include a significant volunteer and community engagement component, encouraging community members to give back through environmental stewardship projects.

Some of 2025’s grant recipients included: 

Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 or other non-profit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and propose an environmentally focused project. Grant funding is not intended for capital projects or related purchases. 

Grants will be awarded in the amount of $500 to $5,000 each to selected organizations. Applications will be accepted now through April 3, with recipients announced the week of April 20 in recognition of Earth Day. 

Nonprofit organizations with an environmental restoration or education project are invited to submit a grant request at NIPSCO.com/environmental-action-grant. Applicants should find “Are you applying for an Environmental Action Grant?” in the dropdown menu in the introductory section of the application and select ‘Yes.’

All applications must include a project description and goals, budget, target audience, timeline and evaluation method. The applicants will be evaluated according to strategic alignment, resource availability, visibility and recognition, project or program impact and organization priorities. 

To learn more, please visit NIPSCO.com/environmental-action-grant.

                                                                                 

About NIPSCO:   
Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 900,000 natural gas and 500,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) six regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and NiSource.com.  

About the NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm for NiSource Inc. and its companies operating under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. The Foundation’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities where our  employees and customers live and work. The Foundation lives up to its mission by providing  charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Learn more at www.NiSource.com/Foundation