NonProfit NewsPod: SMUD Shine Awards. What They Are, Why Apply and Pre-Application Support.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...The Shine Awards are returning for another year, and now is the time for nonprofits to start preparing before the application window opens.In this NonProfit Podcast NewsPod, I sit down with Kevin Burdick, Sustainable Community Partnership Specialist at SMUD, to discuss how the Shine Awards help nonprofits across Sacramento County access funding for projects tied to clean energy, sustainability, operational efficiency, and community impact. With awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, the Shine Awards have already distributed more than half a million dollars annually to local organizations working to improve their facilities, reduce energy costs, increase capacity, and better serve their communities. We discuss: What types of nonprofits qualify  The June 1 – July 31 application timeline  Why organizations should start preparing now  Pre-application workshops and informational webinars  Examples of successful Shine-funded projects  Matching fund requirements  How SMUD evaluates applications  Collaboration opportunities between nonprofits  Language accessibility and application support Kevin also shares why early preparation matters and how organizations that participate in workshops and planning sessions often submit stronger, more competitive applications. If your nonprofit serves Sacramento County and has been considering ways to reduce operating expenses, improve facilities, or expand impact through sustainable projects, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you get started.Learn more about the Shine Awards at: https://www.smud.org/Corporate/Landing/Sustainable-Communities/Shine-awardsThank 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.