Naperville, IL – In a monumental move toward inclusivity, Nicor Gas has announced a groundbreaking $100,000 in grants to bolster diversity initiatives within its service communities. This commitment seeks to combat discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, and physical disabilities.
Jackie Nagel, Manager of Community Affairs at Nicor Gas, emphasized the company’s dedication, stating, “We are proud to support several organizations across our service territory that are dedicated to making our communities stronger every day.”
As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, serving 2.3 million customers, Nicor Gas recognizes the pivotal role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the state’s growth and workforce success.
This year, Nicor Gas will distribute grants to 23 organizations, with each receiving up to $5,000 to fuel their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The recipients span various regions, including:
Statewide/Northern Illinois Service Territory:
- Ajilla Foundation NFP – Empowering collegiate women of color through leadership development.
- Best Buddies – Enhancing job training for individuals with disabilities.
- Northern Illinois University Foundation – Promoting STEM education and engagement.
- Youth Outlook – Supporting LGBTQ+ youth programs.
Metro Chicago:
- Chicago Sinfonietta – Providing classical music education without barriers.
- Chicago State University Foundation – Fostering STEM education for underrepresented students.
- Heartland Human Care Services, Inc. – Boosting economic stability for diverse women.
- National Latino Education Institute – Creating meaningful employment opportunities.
- Sisters Working It Out – Increasing access to cancer screening services.
- Women Employed – Tackling the wealth gap for women of color.
- YWCA Metropolitan Chicago – Offering career pathways for women and people of color.
Cook County:
- American Association of Blacks in Energy, Chicago Chapter – Supporting student scholarships.
- Family Service and Mental Health Center of Cicero – Providing mental health resources.
- Hispanic Business Network Foundation – Assisting first-generation college students.
DuPage County:
- CREO DuPage – Offering tutoring and mentoring for Latinx high school students.
- Diamond Youth Foundation – Supporting minority students in western suburbs.
- Naperville Neighbors United NFP – Sponsoring multicultural events, including Juneteenth.
- Naperville Youth Club – Enhancing summer camps and after-school programs.
- North Central College – Sponsoring MLK Jr. Day and Black History Month programs.
Iroquois County:
- Illinois Veterans of Desert Wars – Assisting Desert War veterans during mental health treatment.
Kankakee County:
- NAACP Kankakee County – Removing racial discrimination barriers.
McHenry County:
- Veterans Path to Hope – Supporting veterans’ employment and mental healthcare.
Winnebago County:
- The LIAM Foundation – Aiding LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Rockford area.
Nicor Gas is committed to both environmental protection and community support. For more information about their initiatives, visit www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.
