Columbia Gas of Kentucky, with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Environmental Action Grant, a recently expanded annual funding program that supports local environmental restoration and education projects and programs. The company will provide a total of $25,000 in grants for programs in Central and Eastern Kentucky.
"Some of the most powerful community transformations start with small ideas and passionate local partners," said Columbia Gas of Kentucky President & COO Kimra Cole. "Last year alone, we invested more than $315,000 in community initiatives through the foundation, and our Environmental Action Grant program continues that commitment by supporting the people and organizations doing the hands-on work — restoring habitats, improving green spaces, and expanding environmental education for our neighbors."
NiSource is the parent company of the Columbia Gas and Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) brands, serving customers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The Environmental Action Grant program started at NIPSCO in Indiana, where support has been awarded to more than 170 projects over the past decade. In 2026, the program expanded to NiSource operating companies in its other service states.
"We've seen this program support small, local projects that grew into meaningful, long-term community partnerships," said Reggie Fields, Executive Director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation. "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 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 for $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.
To apply or learn more, please visit the grant page at ColumbiaGasKy.com. 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, a budget, a target audience, a timeline , and an evaluation method. The applicants will be evaluated based on strategic alignment, resource availability, visibility and recognition, project or program impact, and organization priorities.
