September 21, 2021 - Coldwater, MI – Apex Clean Energy and esaSolar are pleased to announce five Coldwater-area programs and organizations as the recipients of the second round of Coldwater Solar Community Grants.

The program was launched at the beginning of this year to support community organizations making an impact in the following areas: Building Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Promoting Education.

“As we continue working with the community to design the Coldwater Solar project, we are proud to support some of the many incredible organizations that make the Coldwater area a great place to live,” said Brian O’Shea, Public Engagement Manager with Apex Clean Energy.

“As a long-term community partner that will positively impact the community, it is important for us to make that impact felt early as we conduct our development work,” said Matt Drennan, Project Manager with esaSolar. “Supporting these organizations will help improve Branch County for all residents for many years to come.”

Coldwater Solar will partner with numerous other community organizations in supporting the City of Coldwater’s efforts to install an ADA compliant kayak and canoe launch, to be located in the popular Rotary Park.

“The City of Coldwater appreciates Apex Clean Energy/Coldwater Solar's investment in the community to help promote healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability through its support of the Rotary Park Kayak and Canoe Launch project," said Keith Baker, Coldwater City Manager.

A grant to the Coldwater High School Interact Club will assist their efforts to establish a vegetable garden to be tended by club members during the spring and summer months. Produce grown during these months will further benefit the community by being provided to a local food pantry furthering the impact and reach of the Interact Club. 

“The Coldwater High School Interact Club is a community service club that helps out in the community wherever needed,” said Allison Miller CHS Interact Advisor. “We also do various fundraisers at CHS to raise money for organizations, or for projects at our school. With the grant money, the club will improve the CHS courtyard by putting in a vegetable garden along its perimeter. The money will go directly into resources that will allow the club to maintain the garden for many years to come and in an efficient manner. All of the produce will be donated to the local food pantry for the purpose of giving back to the community. Thank you again.”

Grants were also provided to the Children’s Museum of Branch County, which will assist funding their Spectrum Light Lab Exhibit. Specifically designed for a hands-on experience, the exhibit will further the tremendous offerings found at the Museum.

"We are very excited about this grant from Coldwater Solar for the Spectrum Light Lab exhibit.  This exhibit is designed for our smaller visitors to be able to walk up to and experience the uses of colored and white light." Shana Grife, Board member, Children's Museum of Branch County.

To support local parents and caregivers with infant care, Coldwater Solar is awarding a grant to Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Council of Branch County supporting their education efforts to improve awareness surrounding infant sleep habits and head trauma.

“On behalf of CAPA, our Board of Directors, and children in Branch County-thank you to Apex Clean Energy for partnering with us to keep infants healthy and safe through the Coldwater Solar Community Grant.” Said Lori LaBundy Executive Director with CAPA. “Your funding helps us provide essential education and resources for parents and caregivers that protect infants from unsafe sleep habits and Abusive Head Trauma.  Thank you for investing your dollars in us so that we can in turn invest in our Branch County infants to keep them safe, healthy, and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive!”

We are thrilled to support the Coldwater High School Soccer Team and their Cultural Understanding Game. We hope the students and families had a spirited match and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about their counterparts’ respective cultures. 

"We started this yearly effort to create more dialogue and understanding between the various cultures on our ethnically diverse teams from Coldwater and Sturgis,” said Ken Delaney Coldwater High School Varsity Soccer Coach. “We also hope to engage and show the community in general that sports like soccer can help to bring everyone in the community closer together."

Coldwater Solar’s ongoing commitment is to be a strong community partner to the residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations serving Coldwater and Ovid Townships, and the entire Branch County community. The Community Grant Program will continue to support pressing community needs and local organizations making a meaningful impact throughout 2021. To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit coldwatersolar.com/grant.