HINDS COUNTY, Miss. — In a show of support for community-driven progress, Soul City Solar has awarded over $70,000 in grants to 11 local organizations advancing education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety across Hinds County.  The funding, part of Apex Clean Energy’s commitment to powering better communities through the Soul City Solar Community Grant Program, will support initiatives that create lasting, community-driven impact.   “These organizations are among the many that represent the heartbeat of Hinds County,” said Chris Hawk, Senior Development Manager at Apex Clean Energy. “They’re showing up every day to teach kids, care for neighbors, protect the environment, and create brighter futures. It means a lot to us at Apex to support that kind of work through the Soul City Solar Community Grant Program. It’s about being a good neighbor and standing alongside the people who make this community strong.” Spring 2025 Soul City Solar Community Grant recipients and their initiatives include:  Jackson State University/Blackburn Learning Garden: Expanding sustainable farming, increasing access to fresh food, and creating new educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.  Hinds County Public School District Foundation: Strengthening teacher and staff retention, boosting morale, and supporting student academic success through recognition programs and community engagement.  Mississippi Food Network: Backpack Program: Providing weekend meal kits for food-insecure children to ensure reliable nutrition throughout the school year.  Sowing Seeds for Success: Offering internet access, emergency supplies, food, and year-round enrichment programs for families and students.  Operation Shoestring: Sustaining afterschool, summer, and parent programs that drive academic achievement, strengthen families, and build community resilience.  Fondren Renaissance Foundation: Creating a drainage system for a new outdoor classroom at Boyd Elementary, providing a safe space for hands-on learning by Fall 2025.  New Vineyard Community Development Center: Launching the STEM Squad Innovators program, combining STEM education, mentorship, and career exploration.  Jackson Medical Mall Foundation – Young Futurists Project: Funding trainers, supplies, and enrichment activities preparing youth for success in STEAM fields, leadership, and wellness.  Mississippi State University Extension Services: Advancing sustainability education across Hinds County through the Sustainable Communities Program.  Boy Scouts of America Troop 1475G: Updating camping equipment and providing scholarships to make scouting experiences accessible to more youth.  Thomas M.B. Church: Supporting building upgrades to create a safer, more welcoming space for community activities.  Continue reading

Soul City Solar, a project of Apex Clean Energy, is pleased to award more than $40,000 to seven local organizations through its Soul City Solar Community Grant Program. The program has awarded nearly $100,000 to support non-profit organizations and community causes since its launch earlier this year, including grants to the Raymond Fire Department, Hinds Community College, and Tougaloo College, among others "The Soul City Solar team is continually amazed by the incredible work that Hinds County organizations are doing to improve lives and strengthen the community," said Chris Hawk, Development Manager.  "Recently, our team had a chance to spend time with some of the community grant recipients and tour their sites and facilities, providing us with a deeper understanding of the work they do. It is inspiring to see how dedicated each of these organizations are to serving the residents of Hinds County. We are proud to partner with and support them.” Continue reading

The company planning a new solar farm between Bolton and Raymond is partnering with several local organizations to ensure that the project’s benefits are felt broadly throughout Hinds County. Soul City Solar is awarding $40,000 in funding through its Community Grant Program to support eight local nonprofit organizations. The program is designed to support groups working in Hinds County to build healthy communities, support economic development, foster environmental sustainability, and promote education.  These grants are the first round of funding distributed through the program and represent the beginning of a long-term commitment to the region. The developer of the project, Virginia-based Apex Clean Energy, has awarded over $4 million in community grant funds to nonprofit organizations across the country. Continue reading