NonProfit News Pod: Thinking About Applying? SMUD Shine Awards Deadline Is July 31. There's Still Time.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...The July 31 deadline for the 2026 SMUD Shine Awards is approaching, and this final NewsPod in our three-part series has one simple message for Sacramento-area nonprofits: If you have a potential project, now is the time to get started.I’m joined once again by Kevin Burdick, Sustainable Community Partnership Specialist at SMUD, to talk about why organizations should not count themselves out before exploring the opportunity.Even if you are not certain your project is a perfect fit, Kevin encourages nonprofits to begin the application process, participate in one of SMUD’s technical assistance webinars or in-person sessions, and take advantage of the support available from the SMUD team.As he explains, an application can be more than a request for funding. It can be the beginning of a relationship.We discuss how Shine projects can lead to long-term partnerships, additional opportunities and meaningful operational savings for nonprofits. Kevin shares the example of CCHAT, whose relationship with SMUD grew from facility energy-efficiency improvements into a solar and battery storage pilot project that is now significantly reducing the organization’s monthly utility costs.We also talk about why nonprofits should not wait until the final days of July to begin. SMUD staff can help organizations better understand application questions, technical requirements, project budgets and whether a proposed project may be a fit for the program.The message is simple: Don’t eliminate your organization from consideration before having the conversation.Applications for the 2026 SMUD Shine Awards close July 31 at 5:00 p.m.Learn more, review program requirements and apply:https://www.smud.org/Corporate/Landing/Sustainable-Communities/Shine-awardsPrevious episodes in our 2026 SMUD Shine Awards NewsPod series:May: SMUD Shine Awards — What They Are, Why Apply and Pre-Application SupportJune: SMUD Shine Awards 2026 — Application Window Now Open for Sacramento NonprofitsThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.