Keyser, WV \u2013 US Wind Force Foundation, Inc. today announced that it is accepting applications from qualified nonprofits for grant funding from the Pinnacle Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. Pinnacle Wind Farm is indirectly owned and operated by Clearway Energy Group (\u201cClearway\u201d).<\/p>\n
The Clearway Community Benefit Fund was established to provide locally-controlled financial resources for worthy \u201cbricks and mortar\u201d community projects in the communities immediately surrounding the 54 megawatt, 23-turbine Pinnacle Wind Farm located on Green Mountain near Keyser, West Virginia. Grant applications must be postmarked no later than Thursday, October 13, 2022.<\/p>\n
The US Wind Force Foundation, through the Clearway Community Benefit Fund, has awarded more than $255,000 in grants to local community organizations since the wind farm was completed in January 2012.<\/p>\n
Pinnacle Wind voluntarily committed to donating $60,000 to the Community Benefit Fund at the start of commercial operations in 2012 and $20,000 per year for the life of the project. Clearway also operates the Black Rock wind farm in Grant and Mineral counties and launched an additional Community Benefit Fund for Black Rock earlier this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are honored to be of service to Mineral County and its residents, particularly at this time of so much need,\u201d said Jim Cookman, President of the US Wind Force Foundation and partner at Laurel Renewable Partners, Pinnacle Wind Farm\u2019s prior developer. \u201cWe look forward to reviewing the many applications we expect to receive. We appreciate the community\u2019s broad support for Pinnacle, and Clearway Energy\u2019s continued support for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grant applications will be subject to a rigorous review process by an Allocation Committee made up of Mineral County residents.\u201cIt\u2019s rare to see companies give local control over donated money. I\u2019m proud to serve on the committee along with other members of the community,\u201d noted Cindy Pyles, Chair of the Allocation Committee.<\/p>\n