Blazing Star Solar Awards Fall 2025 Community Grants to Support Local Nonprofits, Schools, and Downtown Revitalization Efforts

Wayland Township, MI — October 2025 — Apex Clean Energy is proud to announce four Allegan County organizations selected through the latest round of the Blazing Star Solar Community Grant Program. From hands-on environmental education to robotics, food access, and downtown revitalization, this fall’s recipients are making meaningful contributions across Allegan County.

Launched in 2023, the Blazing Star Solar Community Grant Program supports local initiatives focused on education, economic development, sustainability, and community well-being. To date, more than $40,000 has been awarded to organizations making a lasting impact in Allegan County.

The four organizations were chosen for their community impact and alignment with the grant program’s mission.

The Allegan County Food Pantry received funding to expand access to fresh, nutritious staples such as milk and eggs for families facing food insecurity.

“The Blazing Star Solar Community Grant will provide hundreds of families with access to fresh, nutritious staple foods over the next year,” shared Executive Director Alex Wilkening. “Many of these families lack consistent access to the healthy foods essential for a balanced lifestyle. This grant is, quite literally, life-changing for our clients.”

At the Ebersole Center, the grant will fund new interpretive signs along six miles of nature trails that welcome more than 4,000 students and visitors annually.

“Thanks to this generous contribution, we can begin installing interpretive trail signs that will inspire curiosity and deepen understanding for all who explore the Ebersole Center trails,” said Director Ben Botwinski.

The Wayland Union High School Robotics Club will use its award to expand STEM opportunities for students participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

“The Blazing Star Solar community grant is more than support—it’s a powerful investment in our robotics students and our community,” said Dave Merice, Robotics Club mentor. “It inspires young minds to dream bigger, build smarter, and become the innovators our future needs.”

A grant to Downtown Wayland Main Street will support façade, signage, and preservation projects that help maintain a vibrant and historic downtown.

“Downtown Wayland extends its sincere appreciation to Apex Clean Energy for its support through a grant dedicated to our revitalization efforts,” said Executive Director Holli McPherson. “This new contribution will directly enable us to expand the reach and impact of our business support programs.”

Apex Clean Energy is honored to partner with these organizations and looks forward to continuing to invest in the people, places, and ideas that make Allegan County thrive. Community organizations interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to learn more and apply at www.blazingstarsolar.com/grant.

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