Community Grant Program
Box Car Wind has contributed over $440,000 in local grants and sponsorships since 2021!
Here at Box Car Wind, we didn't wait for our project to be built to get started on our community impact. This is why we are so proud of our local Community Grant Program. Through this program, we've been able to support community initiatives that help this region thrive. Grants are accepted on a rolling basis and are awarded quarterly.
If you represent a group or organization that meets one of our four key funding categories (see below), we encourage you to complete the application and apply today. Our goal is to fund projects and programs that build healthy communities, create economic opportunity, encourage environmental sustainability, and promote education.
Community grants tend to fall in the $1,000-to-$5,000 range, but may be larger or smaller depending on the quality of the application and identified community needs. Grant dollars are limited; priority will be given to proposals that benefit residents in and around the project area.
Download a copy of the Community Grant Program Rules for more information and to learn how grant recipients will be selected.
Key Funding Categories
Safe and Healthy Communities
Programs that support first responders, public health, good government, open communication, citizen resources, and/or enhance the quality of life in the community. Applicants must demonstrate how the program or event contributes to these social goals.
Economic Development
Apex Clean Energy supports and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit. It is part of our mission to serve as a catalyst for economic opportunity and development within the communities where we operate.
Environmental Sustainability
Programs that possess a strong link to environmental revitalization, sustainability, or education thereof, empower residents to be stewards of the environment, and/or encourage partnerships to address environmental concerns and sustainability.
Promoting Education
Programs that support educational institutions, the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and training programs for careers in the energy industry. This may include curriculum development, literacy, school readiness, and other initiatives that help students grow into young leaders. Vocational training institutions that help build a skilled workforce are encouraged to apply.
Apply for the Community Grant Today!
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Box Car Wind Student Scholarships
Over the past four years, Box Car Wind awarded 11 local high school seniors with scholarships totaling $59,500 to support their pursuit of a clean energy career. Apex hopes these students bring their education home and join the team for a successful career at the Box Car Wind project and beyond.
Available to each senior class at the Tracy Area, Murray County Central, and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton school districts, this scholarship program has awarded $59,500 since 2022.
Southwest Minnesota Blaze Baseball
The Southwest Minnesota Blaze Baseball is a team of 12 youth baseball players from Southwest Minnesota, formed to represent the region and play together at the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame Invitational tournament. Every year, team Box Car Wind sponsors funds to support their travel to Cooperstown, NY and compete in a tournament with 100 other teams from across the country -- an opportunity of a lifetime for any young baseball player.
Tracy Area FFA
Box Car Wind donated funds to complete the construction of a 30’x18’ greenhouse. The students will be able to start seedlings in the greenhouse before planting in the FFA Garden. The plants will help supply food to the school cafeteria and the structure will serve as a tool to educate students about plant life cycle, provide opportunities for hands on learning, and stimulate career exploration and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Tracy Kid's World
Tracy Kid's World is a nonprofit daycare center that serves families in Southwest Minnesota. With these grant funds, they will replace 15+ year old trikes and bikes and purchase a repair and maintenance kit. These new bikes and trikes will continue to promote gross motor movement and give kids a safe option for outdoor play.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
The Box Car Wind team adopted a stretch of Highway 14 south of Balaton and participated in community clean-up efforts for several years.
Murray County Central Schools
The Murray County School district is expanding its educational tools to be used in their "Introduction to Engineering Design" class. Box Car Wind sponsored the adoption of curriculum called Project Lead the Way, a pre-engineering curriculum that introduces students to design and STEM activities.