SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - SMUD announced that the application period for its Shine program is now open. Shine is a community development program designed to improve and revitalize neighborhoods in the Sacramento region.

Shine awards will range from $5,000 to $100,000 and are very competitive. Any nonprofit organization — 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) — within SMUD’s service territory, 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). Applications will be accepted through Monday, July 27. 

While SMUD will consider a variety of projects, it is primarily interested in proposals in the following areas:

(1) Community education related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, health and safety, technology skills, and STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math); (2) Neighborhood revitalization or beautification; Environmental, energy efficiency, energy conservation or greenhouse gas reduction; (3) Services provided to low-income electricity customers; (4) Community and workforce development, particularly for diverse and under-served communities; (5) Public transit access and safety, access and safety for walkability

SMUD will be holding informational webinars to help nonprofit organizations maximize their submissions. RSVP to [email protected] with the workshop you would like to attend.

Friday, June 5: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, June 15: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 1: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, July 13: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 22: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In 2019, SMUD awarded nearly $400,000 in Shine sponsorships to 19 local nonprofits. SMUD received a wide range of applications, and the selected projects were able to demonstrate collaboration and broad neighborhood impact.

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 of our customers with a special eye to improving equity in our region through SMUD’s Sustainable Communities Initiative. For more information and for access to the application, 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 for more than 70 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 power mix is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting.  For more information, about SMUD, visit SMUD.org.