US Wind Force Foundation Names West Virginia Area Grant Recipients
Keyser, WV – November 18, 2021 – The US Wind Force Foundation, Inc. today announced the recipients of the eleventh round of grants from its Community Benefit Fund associated with the Pinnacle Wind Farm, which is indirectly owned and operated by Clearway Energy Group. Eleven grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 and totaling $25,000 were allocated to local projects, bringing the eleven-year total of donations from the wind farm to $255,275.
Eighteen completed grant applications were received and evaluated by a local Allocation Committee made up of eight members of the community. The committee is chaired by Keyser resident Cindy Pyles. “I appreciate the continued commitment and the amount of effort the Allocation Committee exerted in its review of the grant applications. They did an outstanding job. We appreciate that the developers of the Pinnacle Wind Farm designed a process for allocating grant money that allowed for local decision-making,” said Pyles.
The 2021 grant recipients are as follows:
| Applicant | Grant Amount | Purpose |
| Catamount Children’s Center, Inc | $3,000.00 | Installation of Trade Structures for New Playground |
| Compelled to Change | $1,000.00 | Lil Homies Mentorship Program |
| Developmental Center & Workshop, Inc | $2,000.00 | Purchase of a Commercial Shredder |
| Elk District Volunteer Fire Company | $3,000.00 | Construction of an Outdoor Stage |
| Fountain Primary PTO | $3,000.00 | Construction of an Outdoor Classroom Pavilion |
| Friends of Ashby’s Fort, Inc | $1,500.00 | Repairs to the ADA Ramp and Concrete Patio |
| Friends of Jennings Randolph Lake, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Construction of a New Playground |
| Highland Arts Unlimited, Inc. | $2,500.00 | Murals and Community Arts Projects |
| Kitzmiller Volunteer Fire Department | $700.00 | Purchase of a TSA 230 Stihl Saw |
| Mineral County Genealogical Society | $500.00 | Purchase of Video Recording/Playback Equipment |
| Mineral County Parks and Recreation | $1,800 | Installation of Benches at Soccer Field |
| Town of Elk Garden | $5,000.00 | Erecting of Utility Building |
| Total | $25,000.00 |
The Directors and Officers of the US Wind Force Foundation extended a special appreciation to the members of the Allocation Committee: Cindy Pyles, Chair; Logan Elsinore, Vice-Chair, John Lecky, Terry Stephens, Walt Ward, Cliff Wendricks, Carol Wilson, and Hayward Wilson. Their service to the Foundation and their community was a critical part of the grant review process.
Pinnacle Wind, which was originally developed by Laurel Renewable Partners, voluntarily committed to donate $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. “We are extremely pleased to be part of this community,” said Doug Vance, plant manager with Clearway Energy Group. “It’s nice to know that we can be of help to such worthy local initiatives.”
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 providing funding for 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. To learn more about the US Wind Force Foundation, Inc., visit the website www.uswff.org.
Contacts:
Jim Cookman
President
US Wind Force Foundation, Inc.
(304) 257-0783
Dave Friend
Vice President
US Wind Force Foundation, Inc.
(724) 832-1709