SMUD - Sacramento Municipal Utility District
03/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/23/2026 14:39
SMUD’s Shine program invests $524,000 in local nonprofit projects
For Immediate Release: March 22, 2026
SMUD's Shine program invests $524,000 in local nonprofit projects
Focus on zero carbon workforce development, STEM education, healthier environments and clean energy
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -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 our service area - benefiting thousands through education, economic initiatives, and sustainable community spaces.
"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:Energy & STEM Education
- AcademySTAY: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Act on Kindness: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley, Inc.: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Assist Academy: Energy & STEM Education
- CALSTART: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Code 4 Hood Edu: Zero Carbon Workforce Development
- Dr. Ephraim Williams Family Life Center: Energy & STEM Education
- E Train Talks, Inc.: Energy & STEM Education
- Friends of Sacramento Public Library: Energy & STEM Education
- Japanese American Citizens League, Sacramento Chapter: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Mending of Mothers Inc.: Zero Carbon Workforce Development
- Midtown Association: Economic Development
- Mother Natives: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- One Community Health: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Pathways to Possibilities: Energy & STEM Education
- Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Sacramento Comedy Spot: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Sacramento Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends:Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Sacramento Police Foundation: Energy & STEM Education
- Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community: Affordability & Community Resiliency
- Starting Point for Refugee Children:Energy & STEM Education
- Suvidha International Foundation:Energy & STEM Education
- Voice of the Youth: Energy & STEM Education
- Zion Girls Leadership and Collegiate Preparatory Academy: Affordability & 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 for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2024, SMUD's power supply was about 62% carbon free, which is largely influenced by the weather and amount of hydroelectricity produced. SMUD's goal is to completely eliminate carbon in its electricity production by 2030 while maintaining reliability and keeping rates among the lowest in California - on average, 50% lower than its neighboring, investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Planand its customer programs, visit smud.org.
SMUD - Sacramento Municipal Utility District published this content on March 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 23, 2026 at 20:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]