SAN DIEGO, Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off 2016, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has launched its annual $1 million charitable giving campaign, the Inspiring Future Leaders initiative, at SDG&E's Energy Innovation Center (EIC), a LEED double platinum facility. The initiative provides grants to local non-profit organizations that focus on developing youth leaders through mentoring; leadership development; college and workforce preparation; and, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs for underserved students.

"Since launching this campaign in 2011, we have provided nearly $5.5 million to non-profits that make it their mission to ensure our youth have the tools and resources they need to succeed," said Frank Urtasun, regional vice president of external relations for SDG&E. "Our community partners have a tremendous, positive impact in the region's many communities, and we are proud to support their programs that play such a critical role in helping develop our next generation of leaders."

To date, more than 600 Inspiring Future Leaders program grants have been awarded to organizations in San Diego and Orange counties, including the Elementary Institute of Science, which aims to provide additional assistance to young students through a premier science enrichment program.

"It's extremely important to offer opportunities to help students become a better student, become a better citizen, and hopefully pursue a career in the STEM field," said Ashley Stevens, communications & program assistant for the Elementary Institute of Science. "The students and instructors at the Elementary Institute of Science appreciate SDG&E for supporting our programs and mission throughout the years."

During a kick-off event on Feb. 26, leaders from non-profit organizations had the opportunity to learn more about the philanthropic campaign at SDG&E's EIC, a state-of-the-art, sustainable, educational facility.

Organizations can apply for grants at sdge.com/community through March 31. SDG&E will award grants through a competitive request-for-proposal process for up to $25,000 per non-profit organization. SDG&E anticipates making grant awards in mid-April 2016.

To learn more about SDG&E's commitment to the communities that we serve, visit sdge.com/community.      

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 881,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at 800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)