APEX Grants in the Community

Apex Clean Energy is committed to supporting educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in Peoria, Stark, and Marshall Counties. One of the ways we give back to the community is through the Goldrush Apple Wind Community Grant Program, which helps empower local individuals and organizations to make a positive impact. We believe in fostering growth and opportunity within these communities, and we're honored to contribute to their success and well-being. By supporting initiatives, we hope to create lasting change and build a brighter future for everyone involved.

The Goldrush Apple Wind Grant Program has donated more than $56,000 to community organizations in Peoria, Stark, and Marshall counties to date. To apply for a grant, go here. 

Stark County Emergency Food Pantry: Operations

Established in the 1980s, the Stark County Emergency Food Pantry operates as a service under Stark County Community Services. Apex awarded the community grant to bolster the food pantry’s mission of providing essential food assistance to residents in need throughout Stark County.

Stark County FFA: Greenhouse

Agricultural education has a long history in Illinois, and the Stark County Future Farmers of America (FFA) offers middle and high school classes that promote and support agricultural education in Stark County. Apex’s funds will help the FFA install a temporary greenhouse on the Stark County High School property. This initiative will provide students with the hands-on opportunity to grow their own produce, while also supplying the school cafeteria with ingredients for lunches, such as hydroponic salads.

Princeville High School Physics: Van de Graaf Generator

Incorporating a Van de Graaf generator into Princeville High School physics and physical science curricula not only enhances student understanding of electricity and energy transfer, but also aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It serves as an excellent springboard for discussing renewable resources and the importance of sustainable energy solutions. This experimental approach to learning fosters curiosity, encourages inquiry, and lays a foundation for students to become informed and responsible stewards of technology and the environment.

Princeville CUSD 326: 326 News

326 News is a student-led news broadcast initiative aimed at serving both students and the wider community as part of the Technology and Mass Comm Intern Programs. This project will feature a weekly news segment that is produced, filmed, and edited entirely by students from Princeville High School.

Stark County Soil & Water Conservation District: Conservation Day

The Stark County Soil & Water Conservation District was awarded a grant to support its educational resources and activities including Conservation Day, hands-on learning experiences for children, highlighting women in conservation, and the importance of sustainability. Our team enjoyed talking with students about how wind projects are designed at the event!

Wyoming Chamber of Commerce: Beautification

The Wyoming Illinois Chamber of Commerce will support the community and local businesses through a downtown beautification effort in various locations.

Stark Council for Continuous Improvement: Toulon Subdivision Signage

Recognizing the imperative to address the evolving housing needs of the region, SCCI has, over the past five years, meticulously deliberated on the creation of new housing developments south of the new high school. These developments are envisioned to attract new families, provide enhanced living spaces for current residents, and ensure that young families have the opportunity to establish their futures within Stark County. Plans are underway to implement comprehensive signage, showcase detailed renderings, and delineate precise plot layouts this spring.

Wyoming Fire Department: Fire Helmets

The Wyoming Fire Department was awarded a grant to purchase 12 new fire helmets, as their existing gear is approaching its expiration date. These helmets are a critical component of firefighter safety, providing essential protection during emergency responses. Recognizing the importance of supporting those who protect our communities, Goldrush Apple Wind is stepping up to help ensure the department remains fully equipped and safe. Community support and safety go hand in hand, and this initiative highlights the shared commitment to keeping our first responders protected on the front lines.

Princeville Schools: Technology to Enhancing Digital Learning

Princeville Jr/Sr High School is dedicated to delivering a purposeful and powerful learning experience, and to further this mission, the school is seeking funding from the Goldrush Apple Wind Community Grant to purchase 30 new Dell Optiplex Desktop Computers for the PHS Computer Lab. These updated devices will enhance technology and business classes by enabling students to engage in hands-on projects, collaborate on assignments, and build essential STEM skills for success in today’s digital world. The addition of technology with curriculum is vital to maintaining access to STEM related learning and careers. Goldrush Apple Wind is proud to support education and STEM-related learning through initiatives like this.

Stark County Schools: STEM Science

Goldrush Apple Wind has awarded a generous grant to Stark County Schools to enhance STEM-related learning, supporting the district’s mission to empower students through innovative education. This funding will help implement Amplify Science, a dynamic curriculum that blends hands-on investigations with literacy-rich activities, encouraging students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. The project also includes real-world learning resources for student-centered learning labs and the installation of interactive flat panel displays in key STEM classrooms to elevate instructional delivery. These upgrades will significantly strengthen Stark County CUSD #100’s ability to provide engaging, future-ready learning experiences.

City of Toulon: Old Settlers’ Day Celebration

Goldrush Apple Wind is proud to support Old Settlers' Day in Toulon, Illinois, by providing funding to help purchase items for events throughout the celebration. Held annually during the first week of August, Old Settlers' Day is one of Toulon’s oldest and most cherished traditions, dating back to 1877. This vibrant community event honors the town’s rich history and enduring spirit with a variety of family-friendly activities, including a parade, historical tours, a pageant, a car show, and more.

Stark County Driver’s Education Program: Operations

Goldrush Apple Wind is proud to sponsor the Driver’s Education program scholarships at Stark County High School, helping students gain the essential knowledge and skills for safe and responsible driving. This integrated two-phase course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor, along with a state-mandated 50 hours of supervised driving practice outside of class. Open to students typically in grades 10–12 who meet academic and age requirements, the curriculum covers everything from traffic laws and safe driving strategies to the dangers of impaired driving. The Goldrush Apple Wind grant ensures more students have access to this vital life skill, reinforcing Stark County’s commitment to student safety and success.