Xcel Energy gives $346,000 in grants to 38 nonprofits

Xcel Energy held a reception for nonprofits in Texas and New Mexico last week, awarding $346,000 to 38 nonprofits in those regions in recognition of the excellent work these community organizations are performing.

Grants were announced through the Foundation Focus Area Grants funds programs in the following categories.

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 stewardship 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.

Stephanie Pena, manager of social investments for Texas and New Mexico for Xcel Energy, spoke about the Amarillo event held Thursday.

“Today, we are holding our yearly Xcel Energy grantee reception to honor the nonprofits we have awarded throughout our community,” Pena said. “This spring cycle, we are awarding 38 nonprofits in the area $346,000. It is important to us to serve our community and ensure that we can support our nonprofits, impacting those individuals in all the communities we serve."

Pena said that her organization selects nonprofits that align with Xcel's’ three focus areas that they support funding for, which include STEM pathways, environmental sustainability and community vitality. She said that throughout the year, Xcel gives out about half a million dollars in grants to nonprofits in this region. Pena also spoke about other ways that Xcel seeks to be a good steward to the community it serves.

“Xcel Energy has an incredible program where we allow our employees to go out and volunteer. We have a heart for our community, wanting to make a difference to those that we serve every day, not only financially, but by giving our time,” she added.

Previously working with nonprofits, Pena says that she has seen a great response from the organizations that Xcel supports and knows how much it means to each nonprofit to have this support.

“I remember when we received funding from Xcel Energy as a nonprofit, that it impacted our organization,” she said. “The dollars given to nonprofits really make a difference because many rely on the funding given from our organization. Much of the funding goes to programs in great need. Having a background of over 10 years with nonprofits, it is incredible to be on the side where I can be a part of a company like Xcel that gives back to our nonprofits and is able to support the many communities that we service.”

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Xcel Energy celebrates $346,000 awarded in grants to 38 nonprofits