A total of 17 organizations and initiatives will receive funds through NIPSCO’s annual Environmental Action Grant program.

The Merrillville-based utility announced $69,000 in grants were awarded through the program for 2022. To date, more than $392,000 has been awarded through the initiative.

“We are proud to provide funds to local organizations dedicated to supporting and revitalizing our environment,” said Rick Calinski, NIPSCO director of public affairs and economic development. “Conserving the environment in our service territory is an integral part of our mission to make a positive difference in northern Indiana.”

This year’s projects focus on pollinators of all shapes and sizes including monarch butterflies, bluebirds and bees, use of native plants for sustainable food sources and habitats, as well as corresponding education programs for communities and citizens of all ages, NIPSCO said. Additionally, funding is provided to support the airing of an environmental documentary on public media, and for special environmental related community events. 

This year’s grant recipients include:  

• The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, East Chicago Monarch Festival, $5,000
• Lakeshore Public Media, Share Shifting Sands documentary, $5,000
• The Watershed Foundation, Deeds Creek Dam Removal and Habitat Restoration Project, $5,000
• Art Barn School of Art Inc., Monarch Habitat Revitalization, $5,000
• Christ Lutheran Church, Southern Bioswale Native Garden for Butterflies, Pollinators and Birds, $1,500
• LC Nature Park, Prairie & Wetland Seeding Project, $5,000
• Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, It’s Your Planet-Love It!, $2,200
• Elkhart Environmental Center, Envirofest, $5,000
• Izaak Walton League’s Porter County Chapter, Gene Clifford Bluebird Trail, $5,000
• Humane Indiana, Environmental and Wildlife Education Center, $5,000
• Dunes Learning Center, Buds for Butterflies and Bees in the Indiana Dunes, $5,000
• Jasper County Economic Development Organization, Take A Hike programming, $1,200
• United Way of Miami County, Recycled Plarn Sleeping Mats, $5,000
• Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, Native Plant & Monarch Waystation Garden Restoration, $4,850
• Coolspring Citizen’s Association, Coolspring Elementary Tree Planting and Education, $850
• The Wetlands Initiative, Collaborative Habitat Restoration and Community Engagement, $5,000
• DeKalb County Soil & Water Conservation District, Community Pollinator Habitat Development, $3,500

The 2021 grant recipients can be found at nwindianabusiness.com.