Rocky Forge Wind and Apex Clean Energy have announced that four recipients have been selected to receive funds from the Rocky Forge Community Grant Program. These funds are designed to support organizations and projects related to community development, environment, education, health, and recreation, that benefit Botetourt County and the surrounding area.
The grantees are the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department, Appalachian Habitat Association, Eagle Rock Elementary School and Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District.
With funds provided from the community grant, the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department will be able to complete LED/solar lighting upgrades to its facilities.
“FVFD is honored and thankful for your generosity and support,” said J.D. Fedor, president of the volunteer fire department. “
The Appalachian Habitat Association received funding for a student scholarship.
Wayne Anderson, president and director, said, “On behalf of the Appalachian Habitat Association, I would like to express our gratitude to Apex Energy and the Rocky Forge Community Grant team for awarding us these funds in support of our scholarship program. This $1,000 will allow us to grant one more student funding to support their education.”
Eagle Rock Elementary School received funds to purchase a new projector system for classrooms.
Sandy Gould, principal of Eagle Rock Elementary, shared, “Apex Clean Energy supports building healthy communities, economic development, environmental sustainability, and educational institutions in Botetourt County.”
The Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded for the “Blowing in the Wind” project to facilitate eighth grade student inquiry into wind energy.
Education & Outreach coordinator, Tim Miller, stated that the group is excited to receive grant funding which will “deliver project-based learning for Botetourt County eighth graders. Sometimes energy topics can be hard for students to get excited about because it is often hard for them to visualize. Funds from this grant will provide students with engaging, hands-on activities and materials allowing them to explore the mechanics of wind turbines while investigating how energy is measured and how energy can be transformed in a way they can easily see. Students will also explore society’s complex need to balance energy production with the environmental impacts of electricity generation and the role of energy conservation, energy policy, and renewable energy.”
One of the primary goals for the Rocky Forge Wind team is to be a community partner, the news release said. The Community Grant Program is one way the team hopes to contribute to pressing community needs, help enrich lives, and make a meaningful impact at the local level. Non-profit groups interested in learning more about the grant, or applying, may visit: https://www.rockyforgewind.com/grant.
