SMUD’s Shine invests $513,000 into local projects
For workforce development, STEM education, healthier environments and clean energy
Entering its sixth year, SMUD’s annual Shine program announced today that it will fund 22 nonprofit organizations with $513,000 to launch community-focused projects. The energy efficiency and safety upgrades along business corridors, youth entrepreneur development and job readiness programs, habitat restoration, neighborhood revitalization, training for under-resourced community members who aspire to start businesses and other initiatives will contribute to SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Plan and focus on clean energy solutions.
“SMUD’s vision for a clean energy future is about much more than transforming our power plants,” said SMUD CEO and General Manager Paul Lau. “The Clean PowerCity movement engages our region’s households, businesses and diverse communities. There is space for every community to join us in delivering on our ambitious 2030 Zero Carbon Plan. From clean energy outreach and STEM lessons inside classrooms, to neighborhood revitalization projects, workforce skills for under-resourced communities and new apprentices, SMUD’s Shine program harnesses the determination and vision of local nonprofits, regional partners and the communities we serve and supports them in making meaningful change that will benefit the entire region for generations to come.”
This year, 218 organizations participated in program education sessions in various languages and 112 of them moved forward and submitted applications in a competitive process. Per Shine requirements, SMUD’s investments are matched by the community organizations for optimal impact.
The 22 selected nonprofits include 80 Watt District PBID; 916 Ink; Architects of Hope; Atrium 916; Center for Land-Based Learning; Center of Praise; Downtown Sacramento Partnership; Fitrah; Folsom Economic Development Corporation; HomeAid; Lutheran Social Services; Meristem, Inc.; Midtown Association; National Academic Youth Corps (Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum); Northern California Valley Sheet Metal Foundation; Oracles of Truth Academy; Project Optimism; Rosemont Community Foundation; Sierra Service Project; Square Root Academy; Sunrise MarketPlace and YMCA of Superior California.
SMUD will take an active role in monitoring performance and progress of each project. SMUD will also support projects during critical junctures of implementation.
Shine awards range from $5,000 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).
The SMUD Board of Directors will hold a celebration in April to recognize the nonprofits for all their hard work and determination to improve Sacramento-area communities.
For more information about the SMUD Shine program, visit smud.org/Shine.