SMUD’s annual Shine program recognizes recipients. Photo courtesy of SMUD

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - 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 eighth 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 North Highlands award recipient was 80-Watt District.

Sacramento award recipients include A Different Path, NextGen Climate America, Rebuilding Together Sacramento, The River District, Code 4 Hood, Safety Center, Compassion Planet and STRIVE Community Health Institute.

The Elk Grove awards recipient was A Seat at the Table Community Initiative.

The Arden-Arcade award recipients include Iranian American Cultural & Educational Center, Arab Community Center for Integration Services and Assist Academy.

The Rio Linda/Elverta award recipient was Perspectives by Capsity.

The South Natomas award recipient was California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

The Carmichael award recipient was San Juan Education Foundation.

The South Sacramento award recipients include HumanBulb, Daughters of Zion Enterpryz, Dr. Ephraim Williams Family Life Center.

The Citrus Heights award recipient was Sunrise Christian Food Ministry.

The Folsom award recipient was Folsom Historic District Association.

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.

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.

For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.