SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25, 2010 – For the second consecutive year, as part of its Environmental Champions campaign, the Sempra Energy Foundation will contribute $1 million to non-profit organizations with an environmental focus.
 
        This year’s initiative will extend to organizations in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
 
        For 2010, the Sempra Energy Foundation is challenging non-profits to develop programs that involve and educate young people in the community as stewards of the environment.  The Foundation is fostering environmental education programs that enhance understanding and awareness of the ecosystem and environmental conservation, energy and water efficiency.

        Winning organizations can receive up to $25,000 for individual projects and up to $50,000 for collaborative efforts.

Non-profit organizations with a primary focus on environmental stewardship and conservation and those with substantial experience developing environmental education programs can submit their applications at www.sempraenergyfoundation.org until Sept. 14. 

        “There are a number of non-profit organizations around the country committed to environmental education,” said Debra L. Reed, chairman of the Sempra Energy Foundation.  “We’re proud to play a part in helping these groups to carry out their mission.”

        The Sempra Energy Foundation will announce the winners of the 2010 campaign the first week in October.
 
        Last year, 30 non-profit organizations received grants as part of the Foundation’s inaugural $1 million Environmental Champions initiative. Among the examples from last year’s Environmental Champions initiative:  San Diego Coastkeeper used its grant to implement a hands-on environmental science curriculum in San Diego and Oceanside school districts, reaching more than 40,000 students.  The Wyland Foundation’s grant promoted water conservation to more than 30,000 students, including 5,000 in underserved schools, through the organization’s large Clean Water Mobile museum. And, nearly 28,000 trees were planted in the San Bernardino Mountains by the non-profit organization TreePeople.
 
        The Sempra Energy Foundation is the 501(c)(3) private foundation of Sempra Energy, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2009 revenues of more than $8 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,800 employees serve more than 29 million consumers worldwide.  For more information on the Sempra Energy Foundation, visit www.sempraenergyfoundation.org.
 
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