Nicor Gas opens applications for community enrichment grants

Expanding on its commitment to support neighborhoods across its service territory where stabilization needs are the greatest, Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in funding to support enrichment and community service programs.

Starting today, organizations and nonprofits may apply for these stewardship grants from Nicor Gas to support their cultural and community service initiatives.

Applications are available at www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving through July 31, with funding decisions by August 31. Selected nonprofits and community organizations will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funds this year.

Nicor Gas is committed to enhancing neighborhoods where its customers live and work through the support of local museums and theatres, social services and early childhood organizations, and non-core health services such as mental health, substance abuse and domestic abuse, mentorship and job services programs, and organizations that target civic development.

"At Nicor Gas, we are committed to helping the neighborhoods and communities where we are proud to serve everyday be vital and sustainable places to live," said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement. "Strong communities depend on good citizens working together, and we are proud to invest in organizations that hold these same values and support these causes across the state."

Last year, the company provided grant support to:

• Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center (now Samaracare): Nicor Gas provided a grant to support Samaracare's mental health access program ensuring that necessary services are more affordable for individuals, couples and families experiencing financial hardships.

• GiGi's Playhouse: A Nicor Gas grant helped to provide one-on-one literacy and math tutoring programs to individuals that have Down syndrome.

• Raue Center for the Arts: A Nicor Gas grant helped to support the SAGE Theatre Ensemble Arts Education Program. The SAGE program is dedicated to making bold theatrical work on professional stages and encouraging dialogue about social, medical, ethical and political issues

To submit an application for the community enrichment grants and to learn more about Nicor Gas' commitment to its communities, visit www.NicorGas.com/Community.