MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 03, 2021) – As part of its continuing commitment to local communities, Xcel Energy today announced it has donated a total of $350,000 to 14 Minneapolis and St. Paul nonprofit organizations working to advance racial equity and rebuild their communities following last summer’s civil unrest.

“Xcel Energy is committed to supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and other underserved people during these challenging times,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “We’re proud to provide support to these heroic organizations that are striving every day to better their communities and help them recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and civil unrest.”

The following organizations will receive funding to support their work in the community: Reconnect Rondo, Sabathani Community Center, Pillsbury United Communities, Minneapolis Forward Coalition, Northside Achievement Zone, Serve MN, DEI Collaborative, Hmong American Partnership, Heart of America, Hands On Twin Cities, Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, Minneapolis American Indian Center, MIGIZI, and Business Advocates.

  • “Xcel Energy has been a formidable influencer and active participant in the rebuilding and sustaining of our region,” said Adair Mosley, president and CEO, Pillsbury United Communities. “Their recent gift to Pillsbury United Communities', Justice Built Communities initiative, will contribute to neighborhood revitalization and entrepreneurship efforts. We have long shared a common belief and approach to achieving racial justice and equity for all those that live and labor in our communities. This contribution will further that belief by centering communities' voice and aspirations in future economic development throughout our region.”
  • “These funds will help Sabathani continue to support our tenant partners, who are mostly minority-owned small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,” said Tanessa Greene, executive director, Sabathani Community Center. “Our tenants are part of a vital resource hub at Sabathani that provides critical services to over 40,000 people in our service community.”
  • “We are pleased to acknowledge our partnership with Xcel Energy,” said Keith Baker, executive director, Reconnect Rondo. “This generous contribution enables us to further our work to lead a restorative movement in the community of Rondo – and to end racial disparities in the state of Minnesota once and for all.” 
  • “While ambitious, we believe that our planning and execution is reliant upon innovation of thought and meaningful action,” said Marvin Anderson, chair and CEO, Rondo Center for Diversity and Expression. “By this gift, Xcel Energy has demonstrated its commitment to this work and to the equitable restoration of our community.”

Xcel Energy also announced last year a number of new initiatives to support Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities through its Relief and Recovery proposals to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission including several new programs that can create jobs, train new workers for the energy industry, and save money for our underserved and low-income communities.

# # #

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.