AMARILLO--The Xcel Energy Foundation announced today it is awarding $143,100 to 11 nonprofits in Texas and New Mexico to recognize their contributions in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Career Pathways, Environmental Sustainability and Community Vitality.

“We believe in our nonprofit partners and look forward to what they will accomplish with the funds from our Foundation grants,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy-New Mexico, Texas. “These organizations foster strong communities by investing in our people, connecting them to resources that improve their lives and potential.”

Grants announced today are made through the Foundation’s Focus Area Grants program, which 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 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.

The Xcel Energy Foundation awarded $346,000 this spring, funding 48 nonprofits with a total of $489,100 in 2024. The Focus Area Grant program is one of several ways in which the Xcel Energy Foundation supports communities within the Xcel Energy service area. The Foundation provides matching funds for employee gifts to nonprofits, including a dollar-for-dollar match for donations made by employees and retirees during our Power Your Purpose giving campaign. The Foundation also supports employee volunteerism through the Dollars for Doing program that matches the time employees volunteer outside of normal work hours with grants up to $1,000 per participating employee.

The Foundation also organizes a Day of Service each September, involving more than 2,300 Xcel Energy employees working with community members on service projects. In 2023, employee volunteers contributed over 7,500 hours, delivering an economic impact of $240,000 in our communities.