NIPSCO accepting applications for NiSource challenge fund

Community and environmental organizations located in areas served by Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) are encouraged to apply for grants of between $500 and $5,000 (with special grants occasionally awarded up to $10,000) from the Environmental Challenge Fund (ECF).

Grant guidelines and applications are available via the NiSource web site at www.nisource.com/enviro/ ecf.asp. Grant applications will be accepted through Feb. 28.

NiSource Inc., the parent company of NIPSCO, established the ECF in 1995 as a not-for-profit corporation to support local natural resource and wildlife improvement projects and related educational and recreational efforts.

NIPSCO has established a Local Advisory Committee, comprised of NIPSCO employees and regional environmental and community leaders, to review the proposals and award grants to those projects that best serve the environmental needs of the communities. Grant awards will be announced on Earth Day — April 22.

“The Environmental Challenge Fund is one of many ways NiSource and NIPSCO support local organizations that make a difference in the communities we serve,” said NIPSCO President Mark Maassel. “Our customers, our employees and our company benefit by having a cleaner environment and healthier communities.”

The Environmental Challenge Fund has awarded more than $300,000 to 81 projects throughout the NiSource market area within the past two years. It has been awarding grants since 1995, and is supported by the NiSource Charitable Foundation.