GREENVILLE, MI – Apex Clean Energy announces the launch of the Montcalm Wind Community Grant Program. The program will award funds to organizations and projects supporting residents and communities throughout Montcalm County.

As a community-centered wind energy development, one of the primary goals of the Montcalm Wind project is to be a strong community partner and support residents and organizations that are working to make positive differences in the community. At a time when Montcalm County residents and businesses are struggling and community organizations are seeing an increased need for supportive services, the Community Grant Program will enable Montcalm Wind to contribute towards pressing community needs and make a meaningful impact.

“This is an especially difficult time for the residents of Montcalm County and all Michiganders, and this program will help us make a real impact where people need it most,” said Mel Christensen, Public Engagement Organizer for Montcalm Wind. “As someone with deep roots in the community I am so pleased we are able to make these funds available for local organizations that are on the front lines serving those in need.”

Prior to formally launching the grant program this month, Montcalm Wind and Apex Clean Energy supported a number of community programs and causes, including support for local food banks in Greenville and Stanton, assistance for the Montcalm County 4H Fairgrounds, thanking local health care workers by covering lunches for shifts at Sheridan Community Hospital and Kelsey Hospital in Lakeview, and partnering with the United Way to sponsor the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for students and staff in the Greenville, Central Montcalm, and Lakeview School Districts.

Grants will be available to any individual, group, or organization working within Montcalm County to make a positive difference in one or more of four key areas that align with the core values of Apex Clean Energy: building healthy communities, economic development, environmental sustainability, and promoting education.

• Building Healthy Communities: Programs that support public health, good government, open communication, citizen resources, and/or enhance the quality of life in the community.
  
  
• Economic Development: Programs encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and serving as a catalyst for economic opportunity and development within the community.
  
  
• Environmental Sustainability: Programs that possess a strong link to environmental revitalization, sustainability, or education, empower residents to be stewards of the environment, and/or encourage partnerships to address environmental concerns and sustainability.
  
  
• Promoting Education: Programs that support educational institutions, the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and vocational training programs. This may include curriculum development, literacy, school readiness, and other initiatives that help students grow into young leaders.

Grants will be awarded on a quarterly basis throughout 2021 with up to $10,000 available per funding cycle. Applicants should be non-profit organizations that are making an impact in the listed areas of focus.

The application period for the first round of community grants will close on February 28^th, though grants may be awarded prior to that date based on need. While not all applicants will receive support in the program’s first cycle, priority will be given to grants that demonstrate meaningful ways of achieving their stated objective and make a positive difference in the lives of the greatest number of area residents.

If you are interested in applying, please visit www.montcalmwind.com/grant or call (989) 787-3029 with questions. Montcalm County residents and community organizations are encouraged to apply and help spread the word.