UniSource Energy Services contributed more than $338,000 and thousands of volunteer hours in 2023 to help about 140 local nonprofit groups support community vitality, education, environmental stewardship and social equity.
“We’re proud to partner with so many groups working toward effective, creative solutions to challenges in our local communities throughout Arizona,” said Shea-Lynn Hoisington, UniSource Outreach Project Coordinator. “Leveraging our support can help them reach their goals and drive impactful change.”
UniSource’s donations and volunteerism supported a wide range of worthy organizations, projects and events last year.
Community vitality contributions provided hunger relief, support for veterans, assistance for law enforcement and safety, and events that raised funds for healthcare and research. Through our education investments, students developed science, technology, education and math (STEM) skills, received books and technology, and participated in water safety and extracurricular activities. To promote environmental stewardship, UniSource helped repair and upgrade gardens, trails and outdoor venues.
We also donated nearly $34,000 to efforts that advance social equity, including adult literacy programming, athletic programs for children with disabilities, and a summit by the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona.
UniSource’s philanthropic contributions come from corporate resources and are not recovered through customers’ rates. These investments created a positive impact in all of the areas where the company provides gas or electric service. Highlights from each area include:
Flagstaff
- American Cancer Society – $7,500
- Creative Flagstaff – $5,000
- Lowell Observatory – $5,000
- Victim Witness Services for Coconino County – $5,000
Kingman
- The Kingsmen for Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo – $4,100
- Champions for Youth Foundation – $3,638
- Friends of Arizona Joshua Tree Forest – $3,000
Lake Havasu City
- Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair – $7,500
- River Cities United Way – $7,500
- Kids on the Colorado River – $7,500
Navajo County
- Walking Down Ranch, $4,500
- Those That Wait Inc., $3,500
- Show Low Community Fast, $3,000
Santa Cruz County
- Santa Fe Ranch – $9,000
- Santa Cruz Training Programs – $5,000
- Rebuilding Together – $5,000
- Santa Cruz Council on Aging – $5,000
Yavapai County
- Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters – $6,000
- United States Veterans Initiative (U.S. Vets) – $5,000
In addition, UniSource contributed $50,000 to support Wildfire, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides utility bill-payment assistance to low-income residents. More details are available on uesaz.com about UniSource’s payment assistance.
One organization that benefited from a financial donation and volunteer support was CASA Council Helping Children of Mohave County, which provides unmet needs for foster children. UniSource volunteers helped at the council’s golf tournament and participated with their families in the Superhero 5K Walk/Run & Kids Dash.
“In working with UniSource, the power of collaboration and compassion helps to make a difference in the lives of Mohave County foster children,” said President Beverly Siemens, President of CASA Council. “We’re grateful for UniSource’s commitment for nearly nine years.”
Some of the organizations and community projects that receive contributions were chosen by UniSource’s Community Action Teams, employee-led committees that organize charitable activities in each community. Last year, our employees reported donating about 4,450 hours to the causes closest to their hearts.
We also invite employees who meet active volunteer thresholds to apply for grants of between $100 and $500 in support of the nonprofit organizations of their choice through our Dollars for Doers program.
“Our goal is to support the organizations that hold significant meaning for our employees,” said Tara Barrera, UniSource Community Program Coordinator. “We acknowledge the importance of their volunteer contributions and are dedicated to strengthening their impact.”
