Nicor Gas: Critical Needs Fund Grant

The Nicor Gas: Critical Needs Fund, managed by Northern Illinois Community Initiatives, provides essential grants to nonprofit organizations for emergency situations impacting service delivery. Focused on racial equity, the fund aims to support organizations across the Nicor service area, enabling them to address critical needs swiftly, ideally within 30 days. Applicants must demonstrate their 501(c)(3) status and submit detailed project plans, budgets, and impact reports to ensure compliance and responsible fund usage.

Northern Illinois Community Initiatives
All of NICI’s programs are rooted in racial equity to ensure we are supporting communities, organizations, and people who need it most. Together, these programs will foster innovative ideas, research, development projects, and wealth-building for lasting regional impact.
Grants available for nonprofit organizations to use for emergency events that have directly impacted their ability to provide essential services. Ideally, nonprofits can begin the work to address this issue within 30 days. These funds are available to organizations across the entire Nicor service area.

Eligibility

To be considered for a grant from NICI, organizations must:Provide evidence of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as granted by the Internal Revenue Service or of a political subdivision (schools, municipal foundations, etc.)
Indicate how many people will be impacted by the project.Summarize how the program or project will be accomplished and the expected results.Provide a timeline for the project.Provide budget information and other sources of funding for the project.Submit its most recent audited financial statement and Form 990.Provide summary impact reporting as outlined in the grant agreement issued when a grant is approved.

Ineligibility

NICI will provide additional scrutiny to the following types of giving areas to ensure compliant and responsible use of funds:Capital campaigns
First-time programs without a longer-term plan for funding beyond the first year.NICI will not consider support for the following:Individuals
Organizations that do not have 501(C)(3) or equivalent status.Churches and religious organizationsOrganizations connected to faith but who serve a purpose beyond religion can be considered based on the cause they are affiliated with and its alignment with the Foundation’s guidelines and giving criteria.Fraternal organizationsAthletic organizations without a broader missionTrips, sporting events, tours, and transportationAdvertising, film, or video projectsPolitical causes, candidates, organizations or campaignsUnion organizationsOrganizations or projects that directly benefit the company, its employees, or governing bodies with direct oversight of the company.Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.Private Trusts & Private FoundationsEstate or Estate with a close relationship with a private foundation.