Columbia Gas of Ohio announced on Feb. 10 that it is now accepting applications for its 2026 Environmental Action Grant, an annual funding program aimed at supporting local environmental restoration and education projects. The program is supported by the NiSource Charitable Foundation and has recently expanded to include all NiSource operating companies.
The grant initiative seeks to encourage community-based environmental stewardship and protect natural resources through financial support to eligible organizations. Columbia Gas of Ohio President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Heidorn said, “As a utility company, we know firsthand how important it is to prioritize initiatives that help create and sustain a healthy environment. 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.”
NiSource is the parent company of Columbia Gas as well as Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), serving customers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The Environmental Action Grant program began at NIPSCO in Indiana where approximately $700,000 has been awarded over ten years to more than 170 projects. In 2026, this effort was expanded across all NiSource service states.
Reggie Fields, Executive Director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation said, “We’ve seen this program support small, local projects that grew into meaningful, long‑term community partnerships. 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.”
Eligible applicants must be a nonprofit organization such as a registered 501(c)(3) or similar entity determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Projects must focus on environmental goals; funding is not intended for capital purchases or related expenses. Grants will range from $500 to $5,000 per recipient organization.
Applications are open until April 3 with recipients announced during Earth Day week in April. Applicants can find details about requirements—including project description and goals—on Columbia Gas of Ohio’s website.
Columbia Gas of Ohio contributes to community welfare through charitable work, economic development and energy education according to the official website (official website). The company functions as one of several energy delivery companies under NiSource (official website). It serves more than 1.5 million customers across Ohio while employing nearly 2,300 workers (official website). According to its site (official website), Columbia Gas aims for safe operations focused on customer satisfaction and sustainability while also working with diverse suppliers through various community partnerships.
