By Sara Beth Williams–
The time to apply for the Shine Awards grant program is fast approaching, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District wants to help prepare nonprofits who are interested in applying by offering virtual workshops.
Shine Awards grants support clean energy initiatives and workforce development efforts across the region. The program offers matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits for projects designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and expand clean energy education and career pathways.
Eligible projects may include infrastructure upgrades that lower electricity bills, as well as workforce training programs that prepare participants for careers in zero-carbon and clean energy industries.
According to program information provided by SMUD, applications for this year’s funding cycle will open June 1. Multiple informational workshops are being offered in advance to help organizations understand eligibility requirements and develop project ideas.
Several workshops are scheduled in March, April, and May, with most offered virtually and one planned in person at SMUD headquarters.
Scheduled workshop dates include:
- Wednesday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to noon (virtual)
- Wednesday, April 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (virtual)
- Tuesday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (virtual)
- Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to noon (in person at SMUD headquarters)
- Wednesday, April 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (virtual)
- Wednesday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to noon (virtual)
- Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to noon (virtual)
Officials said the sessions generally last 45 to 60 minutes, followed by a period of time for questions and project brainstorming.
The Shine Awards program is intended to help nonprofit organizations launch projects that provide measurable community benefit while supporting regional clean energy goals, SMUD says. Organizations interested in attending can register through SMUD’s website here.
