Supporting public safety education and first responder training

At Columbia Gas of Ohio, we recognize the responsibility beyond being a utility provider, aiming to enhance the social and economic well-being of its customers, employees, and communities. By promoting safety practices and embracing innovative solutions, Columbia Gas of Ohio supports community connectivity and seeks to create lasting, positive impact through our values and actions.  

The Public Safety Grant, through the Columbia Cares Grant, will provide transformational grants to emergency services and organizations committed to public safety education and training. 

Award

• $500 up to $5,000 per organization

Application Process

• The Public Safety Grant cycle will open again in 2026

Grant-Making Criteria

• Must be a 501(c)(3) status non-profit organization or identify a 501(c)(3) status non-profit organization partner
• Programs and initiatives should benefit Columbia Gas of Ohio service area and customers
• Defined project goals
• Alignment with Columbia Gas of Ohio’s Basic Needs & Safety giving priority
• Defined alignment with the five grant priorities:
  
  Alignment
  The project should support COH’s strategies, public safety goals, employee involvement, and reputation
  
  Resources
  The organization must show it has the financial means and leadership commitment to execute the project
  
  Visibility
  The project should be relevant to key stakeholders, attract positive media, and engage multiple groups
  
  Impact
  The organization should have a good community reputation, a record of positive outcomes, and a plan for measurable change
  
  Skills
  The organization must focus on safety training, be capable of delivering, and create meaningful community benefits
  

2025 Public Safety Grant Recipients

The 2025 Public Safety Grant provided grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to each of the following organizations for the listed initiatives: 

• Clarington Volunteer Fire Department: EMT-B Certification Training 
• Crawford County Special Response Team Association Inc.: Special Response Team Hostage Rescue Training 
• Fairfield County Fire Chiefs Association: County-wide Diver Certification Training 
• Fostoria Firefighters Community Charity Association: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Program 
• Jefferson Township Fire Department: Fire Prevention Education for School-age Students 
• Law Enforcement Foundation: Police Executive Leadership and Madnagement Training Series 
• Lindsey Volunteer Fire Department: Virtual Reality Training Program 
• North Ridgeville Firefighters Community Fund: Fire Safety Education and Safety Town 
• Perrysburg Township Volunteer Fire Department Foundation: Basic Home Fire Safety Supplies and Education Program 
• Rayland Volunteer Fire Department: Fire Safety Week Program 
• Red Helmet Christmas Charities: Air Monitoring Training Course 
• Richmond Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company: EMT-A and EMT-B Certification Training  
• Westlake Town Criers: National Night Out – Crocker Bark 3-mile and 1-mile Run/Walk 

* Applications are submitted through YourCause 
Columbia Gas of Ohio reserves the right to decline any request, change guidelines without notice or reduce any gift amounts in accordance with corporate budgets, program guidelines or conflict of interest with Columbia Gas of Ohio.