ALDER CREEK, NY – October 1, 2020 – Apex Clean Energy and Alder Creek Solar are pleased to announce the opening of the Fall 2020 grant cycle for the Alder Creek Solar Community Grant Program. Non-profit organizations serving the Towns of Boonville, Forestport, and Oneida County in the areas of public health, economic development, sustainability, and education are encouraged to apply.

Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to grants that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents. We will be accepting applications until November 13, 2020 on our website: www.aldercreeksolar.com/grant.

The program was launched this past spring to help organizations in the Towns of Boonville and Forestport, as well as the broader Oneida County community. During the Spring 2020 grant cycle the program supported a number of programs including:

• A $1,500 grant to support the conversion of a vacant lot to a “Pocket Park” in downtown Forestport.
• A $1,000 grant to Christ Our Hope Parish to support the Food Pantry at St. Patrick's Church.
• A $1,000 grant to the Lost Trail Snowmobile Club for the repair of local trail bridges.
• A $500 grant to Wholesome Living, a non-profit that operates the Boonville Community Gardens, to explore opening a weekly farmers market in Forestport.
• A $350 grant to the Remsen Didymus Thomas Library to help start the Remsen Community Garden.

The goal of the grant program is to support projects and programs that build healthy communities, create economic opportunity, encourage environmental sustainability, and promote 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. Applicants must demonstrate how the program or event contributes to these social goals.
  
  
• Economic Development – Apex Clean Energy supports and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit. It is part of our mission to serve as a catalyst for economic opportunity and development within the communities where we operate.
  
  
• Environmental Sustainability – Programs that possess a strong link to environmental revitalization, sustainability, or education, and 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 training programs for careers in the wind industry. This may include curriculum development, literacy, school readiness, and other initiatives that help students grow into young leaders. Vocational training institutions that help build a skilled workforce are also included and encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the grant program, please contact Brian O’Shea at [email protected] or by phone at (952) 393-2986.