Here at Discovery Wind, we don’t plan on waiting for our project to be completed to get started on our community impact.
This is why we are so proud of our local Community Grant Program. Through this program, we've been able to support community initiatives that help this region thrive. Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, and are awarded quarterly.
Click here to access the short online application. Here are some of the most recent local grant awardees:
Q1 2024 Awardees
McLean County Area Proms
Discovery Wind has generously donated grants to support the after-prom activities of several local schools, including Wilton-Wing, Turtle Lake-Mercer, Underwood, and Washburn’s Teen Alternative Group. These contributions play a vital role in ensuring that students have a safe and fun atmosphere in which to enjoy their post-prom celebrations. By providing financial assistance, Discovery Wind helped organize memorable events that promote camaraderie, fun, and responsible decision-making among students.
Other Q1 Awardees:
- McLean County Racer’s INC - $1,500
Q4 2023 Awardees
Washburn Life
Discovery Wind's support for the Washburn Life initiative "Light Up Washburn" marks a significant step towards enhancing the town's appeal and visitor attraction during the cold winter months. With the help of Discovery Wind’s funding, Washburn Life created a vibrant outlet for the community while beautifying walking paths and public spaces and encouraging community members to get out and be active. This collaboration between Discovery Wind and Washburn Life highlights a shared vision for creating a more beautiful and welcoming community, ultimately contributing to the town's growth and benefit.
Other Q4 Awardees:
- Central McLean Track Team - $5,000
- Washburn Public School - $1,485
- Wilton Public School - $2,600
- Turtle Lake – Mercer School - $2,000
- Underwood School District - $1,000
Q3 2023 Awardees
Washburn Public Library
Discovery Wind provided a grant that enabled the Washburn Public Library to acquire Penworthy STEAM to GO kits, now available for patrons to check out. These innovative kits, focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, offer hands-on learning experiences that stimulate creativity and critical thinking. By making these resources accessible to the community, the library is enhancing educational opportunities for patrons of all ages, fostering a love for learning and exploration.
McLean County 4-H Leaders Council
Discovery Wind provided a generous grant that enabled the purchase of youth prizes for the McLean County 4-H Achievement Days. This support has added an exciting incentive for young participants, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments in various projects and competitions.
“Partnering with the McLean County 4-H Leaders Council creates a wide-spread, exponentially multiplied, positive effect for all communities in McLean County, all of our 4-H Clubs, and all of our Independent member families, including hundreds of members/participants, and our many devoted adult volunteers.,” said Sarah Bedgar, McLean County Lead NDSU Extension Staff. “Thank you so much, Apex. This grant will make such a difference for McLean County!”
Other Q3 Awardees:
- McLean County Historical Society Museum - $5,000
- Turtle Lake – Mercer Activity Boosters - $1,500
Q2 2023 Awardees
McLean County Fair Association
Grant funds awarded to the McLean County Fair Association will support the construction of a new structure at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Underwood. Replacement of the existing shed is necessary to provide future quality events at the arena and create an inviting working environment for announcers and scorekeepers. These funds will expand the building to allow for event registration, a new concession area, and ample space for future rodeos, barrel racing, and other events. With several area businesses coming together to support this project, this community venture will be a regional asset for years to come.
Washburn Music Boosters
Discovery Wind also awarded a grant to the Washburn Music Boosters to support travel costs for Matthew Moyes and Molly Jennings as they participated in the 2023 Aloha Spectacular competition in Honolulu, Hawaii. As members of Honor Choir USA, Moyes and Jennings performed with students from across the United States.
“They took great pride in representing the State of North Dakota, the Washburn community, and the Washburn School District while performing with the Honor Choir, USA,” said Kelly Schatz-Jennings, Washburn Music Booster member and Washburn School Board Member. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for both of them, and we thank Discovery Wind for their generosity. It is greatly appreciated.”
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Other Q2 Awardees:
- Washburn School District Facilities
Q1 2023 Awardees
McLean County Speedway and the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Office
“The funding will be used to help improve our property at the McLean County Speedway,” said Marcus Tomlinson, President of McLean County Speedway. “Thank you so much for your wonderful donation!”
Grant funds awarded to NDSU Extension Office – McLean County were used to sponsor the inaugural Rural Resilience Retreat.
“This is a very special event [that] is close to my heart. I am a fifth-generation farmer and have seen firsthand how farmers, ranchers, and those who live and serve rural residents can struggle with stress management and access to resources to increase mental wellness. [This] has a tremendous effect on whole body wellness,” said NDSU Extension Agent and Co-Host Sarah Bedgar. “Normalizing this type of training and resources and conversations can change the mindset of communities and better many people’s lives.”
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Washburn DECA Group
The $5,000 grant award supported the Washburn DECA team in their inaugural trip to the International Career and Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
“With the help of Apex, ten DECA members from our Washburn Chapter will be able to attend the International Career and Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida. We are very thankful for how much they supported us with their donation and how much they helped our DECA chapter. With the amazing help from Apex we have received, they made it much easier for us kids to reach our fundraising goal and attend a conference that will heighten our personal and academic experiences... Thank you, Apex,” shared Brooke Schulte, Washburn DECA Advisor.
Washburn DECA qualifiers traveling to Orlando wearing their Discovery Wind gear.
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DISCOVERY WIND AWARD GRANTS TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS FOR PROM SEASON
During this cycle, funds were distributed to numerous local school districts, including Washburn, Wilton, and Underwood, for their after-prom activities. Grant funds were also awarded to the Washburn Teen Alternative Group (TAG), which supported a fun, safe evening environment for local teens to attend after their prom festivities.
“Thank you, Discovery Wind, for your generosity! TAG’s purpose is to provide a safe and fun prom celebration, and you have helped to make that possible, along with some awesome gifts,” said Tori Blotske of Washburn TAG.
Want to read more? Click here!
Other Q1 Awardees:
- McLean County Family Resource Center – $2,500
- Washburn Public School Facilities – $9,500
- Wilton Public School Archery Club – $500