AMARILLO, Texas (June 24, 2026) — Today, the Xcel Energy Foundation awarded $580,000 to 37 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.

“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.”

These grants are made through the Foundation’s Focus Area Grants program, which funds programs in the following categories:

Meals on Wheels Amarillo (Susie Akers, Brad Baldridge-XE, Micah Carden, Stephanie Klapper-XE)
Left to Right: Susie Akers-Meals on Wheels Amarillo, Brad Baldridge, Micah Carden-MOW, Stephanie Klapper

  • 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.

Meals on Wheels Pampa (Sam Reese-XE, Evelyn West, Stephanie Klapper-XE, Brad Baldridge-XE)
Left to Right: Sam Reese-XE, Evelyn West-Pampa Meals on Wheels, Brad Baldridge-XE

The Focus Area Grant program is one of several ways in which the Xcel Energy Foundation supports communities within the Xcel Energy service area. Over the past 25 years, the Foundation has invested nearly $160 million across our eight-state service area, including more than $82.8 million in grant funding for nonprofit partners, $73.6 million through matching gifts from employees, interns and retirees and volunteer-driven giving, and $3 million in strategic, disaster relief and special funding.

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. In 2025, employee volunteers contributed more than 8,800 hours across 112 projects, resulting in an economic impact of over $309,000 in our communities.

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.