AMARILLO — The Xcel Energy Foundation recently awarded $591,800 to 53 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.
“The strength of any community comes from the people and organizations working every day to make it better,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – Texas, New Mexico. “These nonprofits are helping our neighbors gain skills, access opportunities and improve their quality of life. We’re proud to support their efforts and invest in the future of our region.”
These grants 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 projectbased 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, reducedprice and community outreach activities, with a focus on historically marginalized groups.
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-fordollar match on United Way donations made by employees and retirees. 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 every September that involves than 2,200 Xcel Energy employees working together with community members on service projects. In 2024, employee volunteers contributed over 7,900 hours, delivering an economic impact of $260,000 in our communities.