Four worthy local organizations are the latest recipients of funding from the Azalia Solar Community Grant Program.
"We are excited to announce this latest round of grant recipients from our community grant program," said Brian O'Shea, Director of Public Engagement for Apex Clean Energy. "These applicants are doing great work to promote Ag education, build healthier communities, and improve community sustainability."
Aid in Milan will receive a $350 grant to support the purchase of technical equipment that will enhance community events hosted by the organization throughout 2023.
"Aid in Milan is thrilled to receive a grant from Azalia Solar,” said Board Member Michele McGovern. “They have proven time and again that they have a genuine interest in supporting our Milan area community. We could not be more thankful for the support they've given us in the past and the support they've granted us today.”
“The equipment will be used in a variety of ways, including our regular Thriving Together events which take place specifically for our small - and thriving! - beloved disabled community in the Milan area,” added McGovern.
A $3,500 grant to London Township will help with London Township’s annual spring clean-up. The annual clean-up is an important community event that has expanded in recent years to include both tire disposal and electronics recycling.
A $3,000 grant to Liv's Native Nursery will help jump-start efforts to create a Milan Township-based source of native plants for residents and businesses.
"Founder and Milan Township native Olivia Onago is excited to start up a new small business in her hometown. “I want to thank Azalia Solar for giving me the means to start a native plant greenhouse that will service my local community! I am excited to help in educate my fellow community members when it comes to native plants and the positive impact such flora can have on our local ecosystems,” said Onago."
Milan FFA, the oldest continuously running FFA chapter in Michigan, has received a $5,000 contribution to support the construction of the chapter's new barn near their existing greenhouse at Milan High School.
"Through the generous support of Azalia Solar, the Milan FFA Chapter will soon start construction of a new Zoology barn," said Mary Hammer, Milan FFA Advisor. "The new facility will be used to house animals and a new Ag. Mechanics shop, providing students with hands-on experience as well as traditional learning."
"Thank you so very much to Azalia Solar for the generous grant to help with this project. Our members and students are very excited about the future projects this barn will bring," added Hammer.
Azalia Solar's community grant program will reopen again this Spring as part of the project's ongoing commitment is to be a strong community partner to the residents of Milan Township, London Township, and the Greater Milan area. To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit, www.Azaliasolar.com/grant.