COLDWATER, MI – Coldwater Solar is announcing a new Community Grant Program to support local organizations and projects serving the residents of Coldwater and Ovid Townships and the broader Branch County community.

Coldwater Solar will be a long-term fixture in the community and one of the project’s primary goals is to be a strong community partner and support residents and organizations that are working to make positive differences in the Greater Coldwater area. At a time when many people and businesses are struggling and community organizations are seeing an increased need for support, the Coldwater Solar Community Grant Program will enable the project to contribute towards pressing community needs and make a meaningful impact.

“We want Coldwater Solar to be a dependable community partner and we aren’t waiting to get started. The Community Grant Program is one way for us to begin that commitment well in advance of project construction and operations,” said Matt Drennan, Senior Project Development Manager, at esaSolar, which is jointly developing the project with Apex Clean Energy.

“Building and strengthening community organizations has never been more important,” said Brian O’Shea, Public Engagement Manager with Apex Clean Energy. “By making these funds available we hope to provide immediate assistance to organizations working to support those in need and invest in the future.”

Grants will be available to any individual, group, or organization working within Branch County to make a positive difference in one or more of four key areas: 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 $4,000 available per quarter. 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.coldwatersolar.com/grant or call (517) 468-6830 with questions. Residents and community organizations serving the Greater Coldwater area are encouraged to apply and help spread the word.