One of our key responsibilities as a public utility is to help ensure the health, well-being and economic vitality of the communities we serve. This commitment to our customers and communities is one of our core values.

As part of MDU Resources Group, Cascade Natural Gas Corporation embraces the vision of “Energizing Lives for a Better Tomorrow.” This vision includes actively supporting organizations, institutions and groups that excel in education, health and human services, culture and the arts. Over the past five years, the MDU Resources Foundation has awarded more than $292,250 in grants to nonprofit organizations in communities served by Cascade Natural Gas in Washington.

One important note: No ratepayer funds are used to make these grants. This financial support helps provide scholarships for students, funds United Way activities that strengthen communities and supports art and cultural programs that enhance daily life. Included on the list of organizations that have received funds are Columbia Basin Community College, Perry Technical Institute in Yakima and Columbia Industries in Kennewick.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Cascade Natural Gas is proud of our employees who live and work in these communities. Our employees volunteer countless hours supporting food banks, youth programs and environmental organizations. The MDU Resources Foundation’s Employee Match program encourages local volunteerism by providing grants to nonprofits where employees or employee groups volunteer at least 25 hours annually. Last year, more than 100 charities received over $77,000 in volunteer grants.

We are proud of the impact our companies, employees and Foundation are making in the eight states where MDU Resources Group operates as a trusted energy provider. But we feel as though we can do even more.

Nonprofit groups and organizations are encouraged to apply for funding. We are currently accepting requests for 2026 grants, with a focus on health and human services, education, environment/Recreation and community/culture initiatives.

To apply, visit www.mdu.com/about-us/community. Applications for the next round of funding close on Oct. 1.

Yakima Herald-Republic opinion section glossary

Editorials

Editorials reflect the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board and are meant to offer perspective, raise questions or advocate for change.

Though grounded in fact, editorials express opinions and are intended to spark thought and discussion.

Opinion columns:

Opinion columns represent the personal views of the writer, not the position of the newspaper.

While news articles aim to present facts without bias, opinion columns offer fact-based individual perspectives.

Greg Watkins is Western Regional Director at Cascade Natural Gas.