Black Rock accepting grant applications from nonprofits | Community

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

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

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

“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 by March 17. The US Wind Force Foundation manages the benefit fund.

Black Rock Wind voluntarily committed to donating $133,000 to the Community Benefit Fund at the start of commercial operations in 2022 and $50,000 per year for the project’s life.

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 a half-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 desperately need to 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 broad support for Black Rock and Clearway Energy’s continued commitment to the community.”

Grant applications will be subject to a 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 me and others on the committee to make decisions on direct positive impacts in our region,” said Keri Whitacre, chair of the Allocation Committee.

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