Northern Illinois Community Initiatives announces new name: Nicor Illinois Community Investment
February 12, 2025
The rebrand aligns with Nicor Gas’ commitment to long-term, community-focused strategic investments that support a more economically resilient and equitable Illinois.
Chicago, IL — Northern Illinois Community Initiatives, one of the foundations supported by Nicor Gas, is proud to announce its new name as Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI). NICI was formed with contributions from Nicor Gas and its parent Southern Company Gas in 2021 to directly support economic impact in under-resourced communities in Northern Illinois. NICI’s new name signifies the growing impact of the foundation since its inception, retaining the signature logo and shorthand acronym that are familiar to its partners, while more closely collaborating with Nicor Gas in economic and community development across Northern Illinois.
NICI fosters year-over-year growth by helping nonprofits, small businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations establish strong foundations for continued success. The change to Nicor Illinois Community Investment represents NICI’s dedication to enduring, substantial contributions — an impact that NICI seeks not just to initiate, but sustain.
“Since our inception, NICI’s investments in small business and community resilience across Northern Illinois cultivates economic opportunity that has otherwise been inaccessible to communities like South Suburban Chicago, Rockford and Joliet — communities that have seen opportunities and resources lessen and shift throughout recent decades,” says Tovah McCord, Executive Director. “NICI provides the building blocks for these communities to thrive.”
Each year, NICI commits $1 million through $100,000 grants for high-impact community projects and other programs that support small businesses, entrepreneurs and other critical support for communities in need of targeted assistance. NICI’s impact addresses three main areas: Economic mobility through programs designed to empower individuals and improve financial stability, commercial development through investments in local businesses that strengthen community infrastructure and small business support through resources and funding for small businesses, particularly those led by women and minority entrepreneurs.
“For 160 years, Nicor Gas has been an essential part of the Northern Illinois community, supporting its development and understanding its unique needs,” says Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas and NICI board chair. “ “The name change reflects the alignment of NICI’s philanthropic goals and the needs of Nicor Gas customers. We are excited about the lasting, positive impact that will result from this collaboration.”
NICI’s investment strategy is informed by insights from local leaders and community members, ensuring that its initiatives meet the evolving needs of Northern Illinois communities. NICI’s programs remain flexible and responsive to the unique challenges and goals of each community it serves. Through collaboration with Nicor Gas and Southern Company Gas, Nicor Illinois Community Investment will continue building on its achievements, scaling its impact to support a more economically resilient and equitable Illinois. NICI looks forward to sharing more of the foundation’s exciting plans for 2025 and outlook for the future of the communities it serves.
Learn more about Nicor Illinois Community Investment, read about the foundation’s impact and stay up to date with NICI’s growth at nici-il.org.
ABOUT NICOR ILLINOIS COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Nicor Illinois Community Investment is a foundation established by Nicor Gas in 2021 to deepen its commitment to underserved communities. NICI invests in organizations that are doing transformative work that fosters economic mobility of historically marginalized groups. Through our grant portfolio and small business program, we strive to be a dedicated champion of economic opportunity.
NICI takes a place-based approach to ensure funding goes where it is needed most. We provide multi-year commitments to our prioritized communities and seek to collaborate with local stakeholders to leverage our impact.
ABOUT NICOR GAS
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Crain's 2024 Best Place to Work in Chicago and Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is committed to a goal of net zero emissions from its operations by 2050, and we are working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Sommers
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