Wind Force taking applications for grant funding

ELK GARDEN, W.Va. — US Wind Force Foundation Inc. has announced that it is accepting applications from qualified nonprofits for grant funding from the Black Rock Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Black Rock Wind is a 115-megawatt wind farm in Grant and Mineral counties owned and operated by Clearway.

The Black Rock Wind Community Benefit Fund was established to provide financial resources for “brick and mortar” projects in the communities surrounding the 23-turbine Black Rock Wind Farm on the Allegheny Front near Elk Garden, West Virginia.

“Clearway’s ongoing investments in Grant and Mineral counties continue to improve our communities and support infrastructure needs. We are grateful for their dedication to serving our area,” said Kirk Wilson, president of the Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

Grant applications must be postmarked no later than Thursday, March 14, 2025. The US Wind Force Foundation manages the benefit fund.

Clearway voluntarily committed to donating $133,000 to the Black Rock Wind Community Benefit Fund at the start of the wind farm’s commercial operations in 2022 followed by an additional $50,000 per year for the project’s operating life.

“As a resident of Grant County, I’m thrilled to see Clearway’s investments positively impact my own community and others we work in,” said Callie Dayton, external affairs manager for Clearway. “Supporting other West Virginians who work endlessly to improve our daily lives and preserve our history is something we care for deeply. “

Clearway also operates Mount Storm Wind in Grant County and Pinnacle Wind in Mineral County and has maintained an annual Community Benefit Fund for Pinnacle since 2012. The Pinnacle and Black Rock Community Benefit Funds have awarded over half a million dollars to local businesses and organizations.

“We are honored to be of service to Grant and Mineral counties and their residents, particularly at a time in which enrichment and critical services should be bolstered to retain and attract people in West Virginia,” said Jim Cookman, president of the US Wind Force Foundation and partner at Laurel Renewable Partners, Black Rock Wind Farm’s developer.

“We look forward to reviewing the many applications we expect to receive. We appreciate the community’s engagement and Clearway’s continued commitment to the community.”

Grant applications will be subject to a rigorous review process by an Allocation Committee of Grant County and Mineral County residents.

“It is a pleasure to see companies like Clearway have a vested interest in our community’s culture and needs. I’m proud to serve, allowing locals like myself and others on the committee to make decisions on direct positive impacts in our region is extremely rewarding,” noted Keri Whitacre, chair of the Allocation Committee.

To learn more about the Black Rock Wind Community Benefit Fund and the grant application process, please visit the foundation website, www.uswff.org. The grant application form is available on the foundation website at http://www.uswff.org/forms/USWFF_Grant_Application.pdf.

About Clearway Energy Group

Clearway Energy Group is leading the transition to a world powered by clean energy. Along with their public affiliate Clearway Energy Inc., their portfolio comprises approximately 11.7 GW of gross generating capacity in 26 states, including 9.1 GW of wind, solar, and battery energy storage assets, and over 2.6 GW of conventional dispatchable power generation providing critical grid reliability services.

Clearway’s operating fleet generates enough reliable electricity to power more than 3 million homes today. Clearway Energy Group is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Princeton, and San Diego. For more information, visit clearwayenergygroup.com.

About US Wind Force Foundation, Inc.

US Wind Force Foundation Inc., a West Virginia nonprofit corporation, is organized exclusively for charitable purposes. Its primary purpose is to enhance the community by funding projects related to education, historic preservation, public safety, economic development, public recreation, parks, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and other similar activities. It will provide funding to select not-for-profit community organizations and communities, consistent with its charter.

It was founded by the partners of the project’s developer, US Wind Force, who now develops renewable energy projects as the owners of Laurel Renewable Partners, LLC.

To learn more about the US Wind Force Foundation, Inc., visit the website www.uswff.org.