SMUD Shine Awards

SMUD Shine Awards is sponsored by SMUD. The SMUD Shine Awards program is designed to improve and revitalize communities in the Sacramento region. Non-profit organizations in SMUD's service area are eligible to apply.

Apply now for SMUDs Shine program 2026 news releases and media advisories Apply now for SMUDs Shine program For Immediate Release: June 1, 2026 Apply now for SMUD’s Shine program Nonprofits must apply by July 31 to be eligible for financial awards SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The application period for SMUD's Shine Awards is open June 1 through July 31 to nonprofit organizations in our service area.

The Shine program is designed to improve and revitalize communities in the Sacramento region. Proposals should focus on projects that support zero carbon workforce development, affordability and community resiliency, economic development, and energy and STEM education. Shine projects should align and support SMUD’s Clean Energy Vision, which will eliminate all carbon emissions from the 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’s primarily interested in proposals that: Promote 2030 Clean Energy Vision by utilizing clean energy solutions, Advance zero carbon workforce development and training, Promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction, particularly in diverse and under-resourced communities (affordability and community resiliency), support economic development, and Involve clean energy education related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, or related Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

SMUD will host multiple technical assistance webinars about Shine and the application process. A registration link and application can be found on smud. org/Shine .

This past year, SMUD awarded over $524,000 in Shine funding to 25 local nonprofits. SMUD received a wide range of applications, and the selected projects were able to successfully demonstrate collaboration and the potential for broad community 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 .

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 Plan and its customer programs, visit smud. org . Sacramento Municipal Utility District