UniSource Energy Services contributed more than $362,000 and thousands of volunteer hours in 2024 to help nearly 100 local nonprofit groups support community vitality, education, environmental stewardship and social equity.
“Our local nonprofit partners work daily to address the most pressing needs in our community,” said Shea-Lynn Hoisington, UniSource Outreach Project Coordinator. “Through UniSource’s resources, both financial and employee volunteerism, we work collaboratively toward a brighter future together.”
UniSource funded a wide range of organizations, projects and events last year. UniSource’s philanthropic contributions come from corporate resources and are not recovered through customers’ rates.
Focusing on Needs
To promote community vitality, we provided holiday gifts and shopping opportunities, meals for seniors and veterans, and help for rescue animals.
Through our education efforts, we invested in venues for science, arts and athletics, along with books and financial lessons for children.
To support the environment and promote sustainability, we made improvements to trails traversing red rocks and Joshua trees, cleaned up creeks and nature areas and provided educational programs for youth.
We also donated more than $32,000 to efforts that advance social equity, including Special Olympics and services for victims of domestic violence.
These investments created a positive impact in all of the areas where the company provides gas or electric service. Local charities use our contributions to sustain programs with measurable success built over many years.
Highlights from each area include:
Flagstaff, 15 organizations
- Flagstaff Family Food Center – $12,000
- American Cancer Society – $5,000
- Lowell Observatory – $5,000
Mohave County, 22 organizations
- River Cities United Way – $15,000
- Champions for Youth Foundation – $5,000
- Havasu Balloon Festival – $5,000
- Havasu Together – $5,000
Navajo County, 13 organizations
- Pinetop Lakeside Senior Citizens – $6,500
- Show Low Community Fast of Compassion – $3,000
Prescott, 14 organizations
- Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona – $7,450
- Chino Valley Baseball Booster Club – $6,950
- Prescott Creeks Preservation Association – $6,950
- Wheelhouse Inc. – $6,950
Santa Cruz County, 18 organizations
- Nogales Lions Club – $7,000
- Nogales Education Foundation – $6,000
- Santa Cruz Training Programs – $5,200
Verde Valley, 13 organizations
- Arizona Junior Rodeo Association – $5,200
- Low Income Student Aid Inc. – $5,000
- Law Enforcement Heroes – $3,800
In addition, UniSource contributed $70,000 to support Wildfire, a statewide nonprofit organization that gives assistance to low-income residents. Wildfire provided bill payment assistance to help 107 households last year.
In addition, part of TEP’s contribution to Wildfire supported its Heat Relief Initiative, a collaboration with other Arizona utilities to replace non-functioning air conditioning units for low-income residents. Read about one customer who received HVAC help.
“This contribution has been crucial to meeting the needs of vulnerable and low-income families in a year that was the hottest on record. We’re grateful for that,” said Kelly McGowan, Wildfire’s Executive Director.
Benefits to Organizations
River Cities United Way was one organization that benefited from a financial donation, as well as volunteer support. For the holidays, UniSource donated $10,000 to the United Way to provide $100 vouchers for electric and gas bills to 90 low-income customers in Lake Havasu City. The vouchers were distributed with holiday gift and food boxes by Havasu Community Health Foundation Food Bank, a United Way recipient.
“What I love is the flexibility and the support that UniSource has provided to the United Way over the years,” said Ashley Wood, Chief Executive Officer of River Cities United Way. “They have stepped up above and beyond and they are so incredibly supportive.”
In Santa Cruz County, The Santa Fe Ranch Foundation received funding for a program run in partnership with The Santa Cruz Training Programs. Individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to experience the ranch and nature. The ranch also built a goat play yard and chicken coop with our contribution.
“We have been very fortunate to receive support from UniSource and could not be more grateful,” said Hilary Felix, the foundation’s Special Education Coordinator. “We are thankful to UniSource for all the members of the community they have impacted with their support.”
Volunteer Efforts
UniSource values our employees’ commitment to community service. . Last year, 111 active volunteers donated 7,016 hours to the causes they care about.
Some of the organizations and community projects we support are chosen by UniSource’s Community Action Teams, comprised of employee-led committees that organize volunteer and donation activities in each community.
In addition, we invite employees who meet active volunteer thresholds to apply for grants in support of the nonprofit organizations of their choice. Through our Dollars for Doers program, we provided $1,900 through grants of $100 to $500 each to five groups in UniSource communities throughout Arizona.
“Local employees are deeply engaged with volunteer efforts and dedicate hundreds of hours to positively impact where we live, work, and play,” said Tara Barrera, UniSource Community Program Coordinator. “Through these programs, employees can specifically direct where these funds are invested in nonprofit programs.”
Organizations seeking funding, in-kind assistance and volunteers can learn how to request support online at uesaz.com/investing-in-our-community/. Donations are made primarily through an invitation by UniSource to apply.
