SMUD Shine Award Application Live – Apply by July 31st

 

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.

SMUD Customer Assistance Energy Savers Bundle

SMUD’s Customer Assistance team is asking for help sharing and distributing information about a great opportunity for residents living in the Avondale/Strawberry Manner area of Sacramento. Qualified applicants can receive FREE home energy upgrades! There are options for both renters and homeowners.

As the team continues building awareness in the Avondale/Strawberry Manor area, we wanted to share SMUD-branded Neighborhood Electrification media posts and images that you can distribute through community organizations, homeowner associations, churches, and other neighborhood partners.

Below are sample content examples organizations may use and adapt as needed, along with four images. Please note that the “Apply today” button will need to be linked to our website if you or another organization chooses to use it: Energy Saver Bundle

Images: First set with the website is for print pieces or newsletters. The second set with an orange “Apply today” button is for social media or online post.

Energy Saver Bundles:

Professional tone – for LinkedIn or newsletters

We’re excited to team up with SMUD to help our neighbors stay cool, save money, and access free home upgrades. SMUD customers are eligible for a FREE home energy check-up with one of our Energy Specialists. They’ll share tips to save energy and see if you qualify for free upgrades to make your home more efficient. Programs are open to homeowner and renters!  Connect directly with an Energy Specialist at 916-732-5659 or visit Energy Saver Bundle.

Friendly tone- other socials

We’re excited to partner with SMUD to help our neighbors stay comfortable, save money, and get free home upgrades. If you’re a SMUD customer, you can get a free home energy check-up with an expert Energy Specialists. They’ll show simple ways to save energy and check if you qualify for free upgrades to boost your home’s efficiency. Whether you own or rent, there’s something for you. Give an Energy Specialist a call at 916-732-5659 or Energy Saver Bundle  to get started.

You will also find informational flyers to distribute in various languages. Use them at your discretion if you have access to the Avondale/Strawberry Manner areas.

Please let me know if you have questions about this exciting opportunity.

Junior Achievement of Sacramento Idea to Income Event – July 27th and 28th

Turn your ideas into real-world business concepts through hands-on challenges, creative problem solving, mentorship, and entrepreneurial experiences.

 

When: Monday, July 27, 2026 - Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Where: Golden 1 Center

Time: 9:00 AM PT 

 

Idea to Income: JA Be Entrepreneurial Startup Lab is Junior Achievement of Sacramento’s inaugural entrepreneurship camp for high school students, happening July 27–28, 9am-3pm daily, at the Golden 1 Center.
So, what exactly is Startup Lab?
It’s an interactive entrepreneurship camp where students work together to develop ideas, solve problems creatively, build business concepts, and learn how entrepreneurs actually bring ideas to life. Through hands-on activities, startup challenges, mentorship, and team collaboration, students will build skills in leadership, innovation, marketing, financial literacy, and pitching while exploring the exciting world of entrepreneurship.
Students will participate in two modules from the JA Be Entrepreneurial program:
• JA Creative Problem Solving — where students learn how to identify real-world challenges and think creatively about solutions.
• JA Rapid Business Planning — where students take ideas and quickly shape them into a business concept with a clear plan, audience, and strategy.
Students will also hear directly from an entrepreneur keynote speaker during a special JA Launch Lesson experience, gaining insight from someone who has built their own path through innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Registration is $25 per student. Scholarships for free registration are available using promo code: Scholarship

 

Register Here: Idea to Income: JA Be Entrepreneurial Startup Lab 2026