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

Proposals should focus on projects that support zero carbon workforce development, environmental justice and equity, inclusive economic development and STEM education. Shine projects align with SMUD’s Clean Energy Vision, which will eliminate all carbon emissions from its power supply by 2030.

Shine awards will range from $5,000 to $100,000 and are very competitive. Any incorporated 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). Applications will be accepted through July 31.

While SMUD will consider a broad variety of potential projects, it is primarily interested in proposals that:

Align with SMUD’s 2030 Clean Energy Vision and are powered by clean energy solutions; Promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction, particularly in diverse and under-resourced communities (environmental justice & equity); Involve clean energy education related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, or related STEM fields; Advance inclusive zero carbon workforce development, and; Support community revitalization and placemaking.

SMUD will host multiple informational webinar sessions about Shine and the application process. A registration link and application can be found on smud.org/Shine.

This year, SMUD awarded over $500,000 in Shine sponsorships to 22 local nonprofits. SMUD received a wide range of applications; the selected projects were able to successfully demonstrate collaboration and the potential for broad neighborhood impact.

Each year SMUD contributes approximately $3 million in financial support and in-kind services to community-based organizations. SMUD will continue to support healthy, vibrant and economically sustainable neighborhoods for all customers, with a special eye toward improving equity in our region through SMUD’s Sustainable Communities program.

For more information about the SMUD Shine program, including a list of previous winners, visit smud.org/Shine.