Contribution Guidelines
North Shore Gas is committed to building strong relationships with its customers, business partners, investors and employees. That commitment also extends into the community to build and sustain vibrant and healthy communities for the future.
Our corporate contributions program is an integral part of the community. Contributions cover a broad range of activities, including community assistance programs, support for educational needs, neighborhood development, environmental awareness, and many other programs to ensure healthy and safe communities. In addition to financial contributions, North Shore Gas employees also volunteer more than 5,000 hours annually to community programs.
- Giving Guidelines
- Categories of Giving
- How to Apply for a Contribution
- Where to Send Your Proposal
- Questions
Giving Guidelines
Contributions are made in unrestricted or program-directed grants to organizations located in the North Shore Gas service territory. To qualify, the following items will be evaluated:
- Organizational background
- IRS tax-exempt status
- Community benefits
- Community support
- Strength of the agency's leadership
- Financial stability of the organization
Contributions are not made to:
- Individuals
- Organizations that discriminate for any reason, including race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or sexual orientation
- Political campaigns or organizations whose mission is to influence legislation
- Individual elementary and secondary schools
- Religious organizations seeking to further a denominational or sectarian purpose
- Trips or tours
- Special occasion or goodwill advertising
Categories of Giving
North Shore Gas supports the following types of organizations and programs:
- Arts
- Performance and visual arts organizations
- Public libraries and museums
- Community and Neighborhood Development
- Job training and placement
- Neighborhood and housing revitalization, focusing on conservation and energy efficiency
- Home safety programs
- Affordable housing
- Economic development
- Education
- Classroom curriculum focusing on the environment and environmental literacy
- Professional development for teachers
- Programs supporting and enhancing the core curriculum
- Human Services and Health
- Primary health care programs emphasizing wellness and prevention
- Human service organizations serving children, the elderly, the homeless, people with disabilities and victims of domestic abuse
- Environment
- Energy conservation and efficiency in the home and the community
- Programs focusing on increasing awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges
- Efforts identifying and helping to resolve environmental challenges
- Community "green" programs
How to Apply for a Contribution
Send an application packet that includes:
- A one-page cover letter identifying the organization, mailing address, name and telephone number of a contact person, the purpose of the request and the specific dollar amount requested.
- A brief narrative (no more than three pages) describing the background and the objectives of the program/projects that fit North Shore Gas interests.
- A current-year operating budget, showing planned expenses and income sources, a project budget (if applicable) and a list of funds raised, identifying sources and amounts.
- The organization's audited financial statement for the most recent fiscal year.
- Chicago-area corporate and foundation contributions and the amount each gave in the current and previous fiscal year.
- A current IRS letter confirming the organization as being tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and its standing as a body described in Sections 170(c)(2), 2055(a)(3) and 2532(a)(2) of the code.
- The organization's governing board members and their professional affiliations.
North Shore Gas will accept, but does not require, the Chicago Area Grant Application Form. If an applicant uses this form, the attachments described above are still required.
Where to Send Your Proposal
Send your proposal to:
Manager, Corporate Contributions
North Shore Gas
130 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-240-7516
Proposal Review
The corporate contributions staff reviews the requests for grants. The process includes an evaluation of audited financial statements, budgets, board makeup and participation and, in many instances, a site visit. This information is then evaluated in context with the company's overall contribution policies.
All properly documented requests conforming to the guidelines will be considered. A letter will be sent to you informing you about the decision. Due to funding limitations and the large number of requests submitted, some worthy programs may not receive corporate support.
Questions?
Call the Corporate Contributions Department at 312-240-7516.