19 local nonprofits receive Shine awards to help beautify neighborhoods, provide education and workforce training, and improve energy efficiency
SMUD announced its annual Shine community award recipients totaling $400,140, which is round two of its funding. SMUD distributed an additional $219,000 in November to immediately help community nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. SMUD’s Shine program supports projects that improve and revitalize neighborhoods in the Sacramento region. Shine awards are funded for projects that address neighborhood revitalization; STEM education; environment and energy efficiency; and workforce development.
“We’re proud to partner with local nonprofits to improve our local communities,” said SMUD Board President Nancy Bui-Thompson. “By supporting our community with job training, academic support and community services, we will make a lasting impact in our neighborhoods.”
SMUD received 126 applications from a wide range of applicants. Shine awardees are those who successfully demonstrate collaboration and the potential for broad neighborhood impact. The first round of awards was expedited based on immediate COVID-19 responsive program design. Awardees are located throughout Sacramento County and include:
AGC of Cal Construction Education Foundation | Workforce Development |
Alchemist CDC | Neighborhood Improvements |
Center for Land Based Learning | STEM Education |
Cosumnes Service District | Neighborhood Improvements/STEM |
Christ Temple Apostolic Church | HVAC |
Eta Gamma Omega Chapter Foundation | Infrastructure Improvements |
First Step Communities | Infrastructure Improvements |
Food Literacy Center | STEM Education |
Juma Ventures | Workforce Development |
Orangevale Food Bank | Infrastructure Improvements |
NeighborWorks HOC Sac | Energy Efficiency Education |
Ronald MacDonald House | Infrastructure Improvements |
Sacramento Library | EV Charging |
Sacramento Native American Health Center | Infrastructure Improvements |
Shiloh Baptist Church | Energy Efficiency Upgrades |
Soil Born Farms | STEM Education |
The River District | Lighting Project |
Youth Development Network | Workforce Development |
Volunteers of America | Infrastructure Improvements |
Each year SMUD contributes approximately $3 million in cash and in-kind services to community-based organizations. SMUD will continue to support healthy, vibrant and economically sustainable neighborhoods for all our customers with a special focus on improving equity in our region through our Sustainable Communities Initiative.
Applications for the 2021 Shine program are expected to open in June. All 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations within SMUD’s service territory are eligible to apply. For more information about SMUD’s corporate citizenship programs, visit smud.org/SustainableCommunities. For more information about the 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 for almost 75 years to Sacramento County (and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties). 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. SMUD’s energy is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.
