CHESTER, VA (Rocktown Now) — Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc., in partnership with the NiSource Charitable Foundation, has announced that multiple Virginia nonprofit organizations have been chosen to receive its 2026 Environmental Action Grant. The annual grant program awards the organizations funding to support environmental projects and programming across the Commonwealth.

“This is an exciting and forward-thinking opportunity for us to back innovative ideas that will bring about positive and lasting environmental change,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “We’re so thrilled to be able to assist these worthwhile organizations.”

This year, the grant program is providing $30,000 in funding to seven organizations in Virginia. Those organizations were selected by a review committee with each receiving a grant averaging from $500 to $5,000 to further their missions.

One of the highlights of this year’s recipients is the Elizabeth River Project, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the Elizabeth River, one of the most historically polluted tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The Environmental Action Grant will help sustain and expand the organization’s essential volunteer-driven river stewardship initiatives.

Other grant recipients include:

“True community engagement means investing in meaningful projects that benefit us most where we live and work,” said Executive Director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation Reggie Fields. “We are proud to collaborate with these outstanding nonprofit organizations and help them fulfill their missions through these vital environmental projects.”