This year’s cohort of awardees pose with their certificates at the SMUD Shine Awards Reception. Photo courtesy of SMUD

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – SMUD has awarded twenty-five local nonprofits with more than $524,000 in funding from its annual Shine program. The Shine program, now in its 9th 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 community‑driven projects that expand access to energy and STEM education, strengthen zero carbon workforce pathways, support economic development and improve the health and resilience of neighborhoods across SMUD’s service area.

“At SMUD, investing in our communities and the nonprofits that serve them is at the heart of what we do,” said SMUD CEO and General Manager Paul Lau. “Our Shine program helps nonprofits create lasting change that builds a healthier, stronger and more equitable community for generations to come.”

Out of the 104 organizations that submitted applications, 25 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 25 selected nonprofits include: A Seat at the Table Community Initiative, AcademySTAY, Act on Kindness, Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley, Inc., Assist Academy, CALSTART, 4 Hood Edu, Dr. Ephraim Williams Family Life Center, E Train Talks, Inc., Friends of Sacramento Public Library, Japanese American Citizens League, Sacramento Chapter, Mending of Mothers Inc., Midtown Association, Mother Natives, One Community Health, Pathways to Possibilities, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, Sacramento Comedy Spot, Sacramento Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, Sacramento Police Foundation, Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community, Starting Point for Refugee Children, International Foundation, Voice of the Youth,  Zion Girls Leadership and Collegiate Preparatory Academy.

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.