The Xcel Energy Foundation awarded $580,000 to 37 nonprofits in Texas and New Mexico on Wednesday, June 24 to recognize their contributions in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career pathways, environmental sustainability and community vitality.
“Nonprofit organizations across our region are creating opportunities and making a real difference in the communities we serve,” said Brad Baldridge, interim president, Xcel Energy — Texas, New Mexico. “Whether it’s preparing students for future careers, supporting families or growing local economies, their impact is felt every day. We’re proud to invest in their work.”
Meals on Wheels Amarillo was one of dozens of nonprofits awarded grants June 24 by the Xcel Energy Foundation. Attending the event were, from left, Meals on Wheels Amarillo Executive Director Susie Akers; Brad Baldridge, interim president, Xcel Energy — Texas, New Mexico; Meals on Wheels Board President Micah Carden; and Stephanie Klapper with Xcel Energy.
The grants are made through the Foundation’s Focus Area Grants program in three categories in particular:
STEM Career Pathways grants focus on K-12 project-based learning and investigative experiences; post-secondary financial aid, mentorship and support services; diverse and inclusive learning environments for all; and training and upskilling services for STEM careers.
Environmental Sustainability grants fund disaster preparedness, community green space projects; environmental stewards and conservationist education; programs that restore, maintain and improve natural habitats; and natural resource conservation with an emphasis on water conservation.
Community Vitality grants fund case management and support services for underserved populations related to employment; entrepreneurial endeavors that support local economies, with a focus on diverse business leaders; the amplification of diverse artists and art forms; and free, reduced-price and community outreach activities, with a focus on historically marginalized groups.
Area grant recipients include:
Alliance for Pathways into Engineering (All Path)
Amarillo College Foundation Inc.
Amarillo Wesley Community Center Inc.
Boy Scouts of America/Scouting America
Brothers-Sisters of Our Military (BOOM) Adventures
Catholic Family Service Inc.
Don Harrington Discovery Center Foundation Inc.
Family Support Services of Amarillo
Junior Achievement of the High Plains
Meals on Wheels of Amarillo Texas Inc.
No Boundaries International
Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation
The Maverick Boys and Girls Club of Amarillo Inc.
The Salvation Army of Amarillo
Wildcat Bluff Nature Center Inc.
West Texas A&M University Foundation
Women in Science Endeavors (WISE) WTAMU Program
Project Feed the Kids (in Dumas)
The grant program is one of several ways in which the foundation supports communities within the Xcel Energy service area.
Over the past 25 years, they have invested nearly $160 million across its eight-state service area, including $73.6 million through matching gifts from employees, interns and retirees and volunteer-driven giving.
And every September, the foundation organizes a Day of Service that involves nearly 3,000 Xcel Energy employees working together with community members on service projects.
Kristina Wood is managing editor of the Amarillo Globe-News, whose coverage includes Amarillo and Canyon, and into the Texas Panhandle. Have a story idea? Send it in at newmedia@amarillo.com .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Xcel Energy Foundation gives $580,000 to Texas, New Mexico nonprofits