Apex Clean Energy is pleased to award a new round of funding through the Coldwater Solar Community Grant Program. The program supports organizations across Branch County working to build safe and healthy communities, foster economic development, support environmental sustainability, and promote education.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has now awarded over $50,000 in funding to more than twenty different community organizations throughout the Coldwater area. Nationally, Apex has awarded over $4 million in community grant funds to nonprofit organizations through the program.
Ten local organizations received funding during this grant cycle, including
• Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes
• Coldwater Fire Department
• Branch District Library
• Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce
• Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Foundation
• Little River Railroad
• Quincy Baseball Softball Association
• Run Branch County
• Lakeland Fire Department
A grant to the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce will provide young professionals with instruction and resources to foster their growth and development.
Chamber President Sheila Winfrey, recognized the grant’s role in empowering the next generation, remarking, "Receiving this grant is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to fostering community and economic development, particularly for our Young Professionals. It enables us to enhance opportunities for the next generation of leaders, creating a vibrant, thriving environment where they can grow, innovate, and contribute to our local economy. We are grateful for this support and excited to see the positive impact it will have on both our emerging talent and the community at large."
A grant to the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence will help supply the Naomi Davis Shelter House, providing items that will help make residents more comfortable while pushing through life after traumatic experiences.
Executive Director Kim Hemker expressed deep gratitude for the support, saying, "The day-to-day costs of feeding and providing supplies for our clients can seem overwhelming at times, and when a blessing like this comes along, it gives our staff a feeling of relief. This generous donation allows us to support more survivors in the way that is needed. These contributions truly have the power to change lives and promote a healthier, safer community."
Support for the first Run Branch County 5k will support the organization’s mission to promote the health and well-being of area youth through athletics and provide athletic scholarships for young people in the community.
The Coldwater Fire Department will soon have a new Mangar CAMEL Emergency Lifting Chair to help reduce the chance of a first responder being injured on the job.
Coldwater Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz emphasized the importance of the new equipment made possible by the grant, saying, "Having access to this piece of equipment will make the job of lifting a patient off the ground safer for our responders and enable us to provide better care for those who need our help. It's a win-win for the community!"
A grant to Little River Railroad will help the organization modify their platform and cars to work safely, efficiently and be more accessible to load and unload passengers who would otherwise have difficulty boarding the trains. The organization commented on the grant, saying "We are excited to implement our program and expand access, ensuring that this unique experience is available to everyone, including those who may not have had the opportunity to participate in our train trips before."
A grant to the Quincy Baseball Softball Association (QBSA) will support their efforts to update their facilities, providing kids with a safe and high-quality field to play baseball and softball.
QBSA President Andrew Craig highlighted the grant’s impact, stating, "QBSA believes every child deserves to play baseball or softball. Being part of something and feeling a sense of belonging not only promotes healthy kids but also fosters a more positive community rooted in family and unity. That is our ultimate goal, and support like this brings us closer to achieving it."
The Lakeland Fire Department will soon have new compact thermal cameras that serve as extra sets of eyes on the fire scene, allowing first responders to quickly assess a situation, even in total darkness and through smoke.
"We would like to thank Apex Clean Energy and Coldwater Solar for the grant award,” said Lakeland Fire Chief David Smith. “The Thermal Imaging Cameras that the grant will help us purchase are invaluable tools, allowing us to detect fire in structures and locate people who may be trapped during a fire. This equipment will significantly enhance our ability to protect and serve our community."
The Branch District Library received a grant to help purchase new books and materials to stock the library’s bookmobile. The bookmobile will help expand the reach of the library in rural townships and other underserved communities, providing easier access to the free services offered by the library while bringing the community closer together.
Junior Achievement of Southwest Michigan received a grant to improve programs that teach K-12 students’ financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship, as well as develop students' soft skills and self-confidence.
“Thank you Coldwater Solar for your support of Junior Achievement of Southwest Michigan,” said Chief Operating Officer Laura Lutterbeck. “Your grant ensures that students in Branch County receive our valuable financial literacy and career readiness programs in area classrooms. Your partnership with JA helps create financially independent future leaders of our community!”
The Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club and Foundation will be increasing annual support for their Promise Program Scholarships using funding from the grant, lowering college costs and debt obligations for Coldwater-area students.
“The Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club and its' Foundation are pleased to have been selected for a generous grant from Coldwater Solar," said George Babcoke, Promise Program Chair. "The continued support from Coldwater Solar, our members, local businesses and the community have made it possible to award over 160 Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Promise Scholarships totaling over $130,000 over the past six years to students from the greater Branch County region that are enrolled in healthcare or industrial trade programs at Kellogg Community College. This grant will help support the recent decision by the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Foundation Board to raise the annual level of support for the Promise Program to $25,000 per year.”
In addition to its ongoing support of local non-profits, Coldwater Solar will generate more than $30 million of new tax revenue to support Coldwater area school districts, county services, and township governments through approved tax agreements with Coldwater and Ovid Townships, as well as significant local spending, employment, and investment during project construction and operations.