COLUMBIA, ME – May 14, 2020 – Downeast Wind and Apex Clean Energy are pleased to announce the recipients of the first round of 2020 Downeast Wind Community Grant Program funds. These funds are designed to support community organizations in the following areas: Building Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Promoting Education.

“Several of these organizations are moving quickly to help communities impacted by the coronavirus and adjust their operations to better serve the community safely,” said Brian O'Shea, Public Engagement Manager with Apex Clean Energy. “We are thankful to each of them for their efforts and proud to support them as they support Downeast Maine residents during this difficult time.”

The Downeast Campus of the Maine Seacoast Mission received a grant in support of the organization’s Mission 2020 COVID-19 Response Project. The funds raised for this effort provide direct support to families and households in maintaining housing, transportation, and other basic needs, as well as allowing the Mission to expand services, such as offering extra days at the Weald Bethel food pantry in Cherryfield.

“These are the times when you really rely on your friends and neighbors. We couldn’t be more grateful to Downeast Wind for this funding and for their interest in keeping Downeast communities healthy. Together, we will get through this crisis. And together, we will be stronger for it,” said Maine Seacoast Mission President John Zavodny.

Women for Healthy Rural Living is receiving a grant to expand the organization’s Incredible Edible Milbridge (IEM) project – a series of public vegetable gardens and education initiatives designed to create a community that is stronger, healthier, and more food independent.

“During this unprecedented time, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious, wholesome food is integral to the health of our community,” said Zabet NeuCollins, Community Outreach Coordinator for Women for Healthy Rural Living. “All of our gardens are pick-your-own organic vegetable gardens and are open to everyone. The support from Downeast Wind will allow us to grow more vegetables and provide more educational support to our community than ever before.”

Other grantees include the Downeast Equine and Large Animal Society and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, which will use the funds to help continue its use of HIPPA compliant Zoom software to offer online programming to the people served by the Center throughout Washington County.

One of Downeast Wind’s primary goals is to be a strong community partner, working together with local governments, area businesses, and non-profit organizations to improve people’s lives across the region. Our Community Grant Program is one way that we can contribute to pressing community needs and make a meaningful impact at the local level. Downeast Wind and Apex Clean Energy intend to continue the community grant program and issue a second round of funding in the future. To learn more or apply for a grant, visit www.downeastwindfarm.com/grant.