MILAN, MI – Apex Clean Energy is announcing the launch of the Azalia Solar Community Grant Program. The program will award funds to organizations and projects supporting residents and communities throughout the Greater Milan area.

One of the primary goals of the Azalia Solar project is to be a strong community partner and establish long-term relationships with residents and community organizations in Milan and London Townships and the broader Monroe county community. At a time when many residents and businesses are struggling and community organizations are seeing an increased need for supportive services, the Community Grant Program will enable Azalia Solar to immediately contribute towards pressing community needs and make a meaningful impact.

“We know that Azalia Solar will be a long-term fixture in the area, and we plan to be a long-term community partner in both Milan and London Townships and throughout the Greater Milan community,” said Brian O'Shea, Public Engagement Manager with Apex Clean Energy. “We hope that these funds will help community organizations make a direct impact for those with immediate needs while also investing in projects that help strengthen the region for the future.”

Grants will be available to any individual, group, or organization servicing those in the City of Milan, Milan Township, and London Township to make a positive difference in one or more of four key areas: building healthy communities, economic development, environmental sustainability, and promoting education. These four categories align with the core values of Apex Clean Energy.

• 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 funding cycle. Applicants should be non-profit organizations that are making an impact in the listed focus areas.

The application period for the first round of community grants will close on February 28, 2021, 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.azaliasolar.com/grant or call (734) 294-5659 with questions. Community organizations and residents of the Greater Milan area are encouraged to apply and help spread the word.