Twenty-one local nonprofit organizations will benefit from more than $532,000 in funding from SMUD's annual Shine program. The Shine program, now in its 8th year, is supporting nonprofit programs that engage communities across SMUD's service area in an equitable transition to a clean energy future.
This year's cohort of Shine awardees will deliver projects that increase access and support for clean energy/Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, environmental justice and equity, zero carbon workforce development, habitat restoration, increased tree canopy, energy efficiency and electrification, and youth training and job readiness programs for under-resourced community members.
"SMUD's vision for a clean energy future is about much more than transforming our power plants, it's about equitably transforming the communities we serve," said SMUD CEO and General Manager Paul Lau. "Our Shine program empowers our region's nonprofits to make meaningful change in our communities that will benefit the entire region for generations to come."
Out of the 98 organizations that submitted applications in the competitive award process, 21 were selected for their vision which aligns with SMUD's 2030 Zero Carbon goal. SMUD's investments are matched by the recipient for maximum impact.
The 21 selected nonprofits include:
- 80 Watt District: Inclusive Economic Development
- Assist Academy: Clean Energy & STEM Education
- A Different Path: Clean Energy & STEM Education
- California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom: Environmental Justice & Equity
- A Seat at the Table Community Initiative: Clean Energy & STEM Education
- Code 4 Hood: Clean Energy & STEM Education
- Arab Community Center for Integration Services: Environmental Justice & Equity
- Compassion Planet: Zero Carbon Workforce Development
- Daughters of Zion Enterpryz: Environmental Justice & Equity
- Rebuilding Together Sacramento: Environmental Justice & Equity
- Dr. Ephraim Williams Family Life Center: Clean Energy & STEM Education
- The River District: Environmental Justice & Equity
- Folsom Historic District Association: Environmental Justice & Equity
- Safety Center: Environmental Justice & Equity
- HumanBulb:Clean Energy & STEM Education
- San Juan Education Foundation: Clean Energy & STEM Education
- Iranian American Cultural & Educational Center: Environmental Justice & Equity
- STRIVE Community Health Institute: Zero Carbon Workforce Development
- NextGen Climate America: Zero Carbon Workforce Development
- Sunrise Christian Food Ministry: Environmental Justice & Equity
- Perspectives by Capsity: Clean Energy & STEM Education
SMUD is proud to support these nonprofits in their journey to deliver results to the communities they serve.
Shine awards range from $1,000 to $100,000. Any nonprofit organization within SMUD's service area is eligible to apply. Shine awards are available at three funding levels: Spark (up to $10,000), Amplifier (up to $50,000) and Transformer (up to $100,000).
For more information about the SMUD Shine program, visit smud.org/Shine.
About SMUD
As the nation's sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2023, SMUD's power supply was, on average, 78 percent carbon free, and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030. SMUD's rates and customer bills are consistently among the lowest in California, and are today, on average, more than 50 percent lower than its neighboring investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.
For more information
6201 S St
Sacramento California
United States 95852-1830
www.smud.org
