Community Grant Program

A major contribution from Downeast Wind through the Apex Conservation Grant program is focused on increasing in-stream habitat complexity and suitability for the federally endangered Atlantic salmon in two riverine systems within the Downeast Wind project area.

“We appreciate the support from Apex to help sustain the efforts of Project SHARE as we work to positively impact Atlantic salmon recovery efforts and restore natural stream processes in the watersheds that are home to this national treasure for generations to come.” - former Executive Director Steven Koenig of Project SHARE.

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Members of the Harrington Family Health Team (Mariah Curtis, Chief Operating Officer; Rebecca Paine MHS, PA-C; Nicholas MacDonald, Chief Financial Officer; Maggie Jones, LCSW) joined Apex CEO Ken Young and members of the Downeast Wind team to accept the grant during a special blade signing event.

“The Community Caring Collaborative is excited and grateful for the opportunity to expand Downeast Family Gardens in 2021. When we asked families why they were interested in the family garden project, one parent shared, ‘We are still learning how to successfully grow food for ourselves and to share with our community. Love the idea of being connected to local resources for learning and growing together.” - Charley Martin-Berry, Director of the Community Caring Collaborative

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“Washington County Community College is both excited and grateful to receive a Downeast Wind Community Grant to assist with our collegiate recovery efforts. This money will specifically be used for professional development for faculty and staff around the reduction of stigma associated with substance use disorder and recovery.” - Nichole Sawyer, Dean of Workforce and Professional Development

The grant helped fund a summer stipend for one of their Future Conservation Leaders Program interns. The internship program gives Washington County students the opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation projects including trail and campsite maintenance, youth education, habitat management, environmental data collection, and public outreach.

The grant supported upgrades to Saco Falls Town Park in Columbia by brushing out and resurfacing the parking area with composted clam shells, providing a clean, stable parking surface while having a positive effect on water quality in the Pleasant River. This work will be assisted by a group of River Camp student conservation volunteers in partnership with the Cobscook Institute.

“We are touched by your generosity that enables us to continue to provide cost-free compassionate care and companionship to the terminally ill, their families, and caregivers in Washington County as we have done for the past 40 years.” - Paul R. Strickland, Board President of Downeast Hospice Volunteers.

"Rural Maine can be a challenging place to live – especially in a cold winter. The support the Maine Seacoast Mission has received through the Downeast Wind community grant program is already at work feeding people in Downeast Maine from our food pantry and in their homes through our home delivery initiative. Altogether, that’s over 240 meals we are able to provide to people in Washington County because of Downeast Wind community grants and Apex Clean Energy's support. Thank you!" - Maine Seacoast Mission President John Zavodny

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"Through innovative approaches, community outreach, and with help from Downeast Wind, MAP will support health and wellness in Washington County by increasing access to first-aid supplies and naloxone, as well as harm reduction health education." - MAP Executive Director Hilary Eslinge

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"The Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology is thrilled with the generous support of Apex Clean Energy. We are in year two of offering local juniors and seniors the opportunity for CTE Education close to home. These funds will be used to purchase much needed computers for the CAD Program that we were unable to start without proper technology. This grant will help us reach that goal." - CWCIT administrator Nancy Bailey

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A grant to the local fire department helped replace a twenty-year-old thermal imaging camera in one of their primary pumper trucks used to respond to structure fires.

The grant supported Health Occupation students participating in the CNA SkillsUSA Competition

"The students and staff at CWCIT truly appreciate the support Apex Clean Energy gives to their local schools," said staff member Nancy Bailey. "Their financial support certainly has made a difference in some of our projects. This adds to the continuous growth and success of our programs."

The community garden program has produced over 8,000 pounds of produce for the Machias Area and other food pantries since 2017.

"This funding will enable solar panel installation, ensuring the sustainability of our garden. It will also allow us to establish a functional greenhouse with a frost-free spigot and power supply, increasing our ability to provide fresh produce to local food pantries and combat food insecurity within our community." - Washington Academy Biology Teacher Colleen Maker‍

“This support will help educate our community about the importance of pollinators and provide a family-friendly experience for all.” - Executive Director Chris Kuhni.

“Gateway Milbridge is deeply grateful for the grant support from Downeast Wind to help us make available a free summer outdoor concert series to all the residents of Downeast, Maine. It’s the support and investment back to the community from companies like Downeast Wind that’s making so much happen for Milbridge and the region.” - Richard Bondurant,, Treasurer

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"We are thrilled and honored to receive this grant from Apex Clean Energy to support the arts in Machias and the surrounding area. We have great plans and many programs in development, but as a relatively young organization, we lack the funds to embark on many of them. This grant will allow us to move forward." - Tim Markley, Chairman

This educational initiative promotes greater awareness of Maine’s wild blueberry habitat, provides experiential education about local food systems, and celebrates Downeast Maine heritage. Grant funds helped develop and install interpretive signage along the 150-foot wheelchair-accessible pathway, accompanied by wild blueberries, native pollinator plants, and outdoor exhibits based on wild blueberry heritage and ecology