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.
Grant recipients celebrated the support:
“Thanks to Soul City Solar’s generous support, we’re able to provide vital resources to all 10 schools in our district and celebrate the dedication of our teachers and staff. This grant helps us uplift and retain the educators who are shaping the future of Hinds County.” - Tonie Crisler, Director of the Hinds County Public School District Foundation
“We’re thrilled to receive this Soul City Solar Grant. This funding will help us expand renewable energy education across Hinds County, highlighting its economic and environmental benefits as we prepare for a future with a growing global population.” - Sherry Surrette, Associate Extension Professor of Environmental Education at Mississippi State University
"The Mississippi Food Network is incredibly grateful to Soul City Solar for supporting our Child Feeding Backpack Program. This funding helps us provide weekend and holiday meal kits to children facing food insecurity, giving them the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive throughout the school year. Thanks to Soul City Solar’s generosity, hunger won't stand in the way of their success." - Allison Arnold, Program Manager at The Mississippi Food Network
“Thanks to Soul City Solar's unwavering commitment to the community, this grant will allow us to provide meals, engaging activities, and educational resources for children ages 7 to 12 in the Bolton area. This grant is a powerful example of what’s possible when businesses and communities come together for a greater purpose.” - Lisa Nelson, Founder and Director of Sowing Seeds for Success
"We're deeply grateful to Soul City Solar for its generous support of Operation Shoestring's afterschool and summer programs for Jackson's children and youth. Soul City Solar's investment in our programs is helping Jackson's young people build a better future for themselves, their families, and the larger community. We look forward to teaching Operation Shoestring students about solar power and other STEAM topics this summer.” - Robert Langford, Director of Operation Shoestring
"Jackson State University is grateful for this powerful partnership. The Soul City Solar grant supports the JSU/Blackburn Learning Garden’s mission to promote sustainability, expand community programs, and grow fresh produce. With this support, we’ll offer preserving classes, host our annual Greens Cook-Off, and deepen our impact on West Jackson. Thank you for investing in our community." - Dr. Heather Denne, JSU Community Engagement Director
"Fondren Renaissance Foundation is proud to be a supporter of Boyd Elementary and so pleased to add Soul City Solar to our partnership to bring new opportunities to our Boyd students. Soul City Solar’s award will get us one step closer to providing those powerful outdoor learning experiences to Boyd students by the Fall semester of 2025. I’m sure we will be adding some classes on solar power to our outdoor classroom curriculum because of Soul City’s investment.” -Rebecca Garrison, Fondren Renaissance Foundation
“The values learned in scouting are like a compass, guiding us through difficult and uncharted terrain. Having proper equipment and the resources to explore, discover, and fully engage with the world around us is invaluable to the success and growth of our troop. On behalf of all of our scouts, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the generous support from the Soul City Solar Community Grant Program. Your contribution to Troop 1475G will have a lasting impact, helping us continue to empower young leaders through meaningful outdoor experiences and lifelong skills,” -Jenny Crawshaw, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 1475G
“The Soul City Solar Community Grant will significantly enhance JMMF Young Futurists Project by funding trainers, supplies, and enrichment activities. This support is crucial for preparing our youth for success in STEAM fields, leadership, and wellness, ultimately empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders in our community. We are so grateful to be recipients of this award,” - Jessica Lewis, Director, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation
Since launching the Community Grant Program in 2017, Apex Clean Energy has distributed $5.6 million to support more than 426 organizations nationwide, with an average grant of $3,000 fueling local initiatives across the country.