Panhandle Pattern Wind Grant Given

PATTERN PANHANDLE WIND AWARDS $25,000

TO PANHANDLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT IN SECOND GRANT CYCLE

The Amarillo Area Foundation will distribute $25,000 to Panhandle Independent School District in the second grant cycle of the Panhandle Wind Community Benefits Program. An additional grant cycle for the Panhandle Wind Community Benefits Program was held to disburse the remaining $25,000 allocated for organizations providing direct educational opportunities for Carson County residents.

Earlier this year on behalf of Pattern Energy, the Amarillo Area Foundation distributed $175,000 to various Carson County civic and education organizations. Pattern Energy’s Panhandle Wind facility established the Panhandle Wind Community Benefits Program at the Amarillo Area Foundation to benefit residents of Carson County. An advisory committee of Carson County residents reviews grant applications, recommends specific charitable projects to support, and advises on the timing and size of distributions.

The $25,000 distribution to Panhandle Independent School District from this grant cycle will purchase a plasma cutter for Panhandle High School’s welding and metal trade programs, as well as upgrade its culinary arts program.

Pattern Energy’s Panhandle Wind facility generates enough clean energy to power 115,000 Texan homes annually and is projected to add approximately $200 million to the regional economy over 25 years. “Pattern Energy wanted to ensure the wind facility was supporting local causes throughout Carson County; therefore, Panhandle Wind contributed an initial $1,500,000 to establish the Panhandle Wind Education Fund Endowment and the Panhandle Wind Civic Fund Endowment,” said Glen Hodges, VP, Business Development, Pattern Development. “The facility will contribute an additional $150,000 annually over the first ten years of operations, creating a new funding source for worthy local causes now and in perpetuity.”

Scott Creech, Panhandle Wind Facility Manager says, “We would like to thank the Amarillo Area Foundation and the grant recipients for their dedication to Carson County, and we look forward to continuing our support of local organizations that make this such a great community to live and work.”

The Panhandle Wind Community Benefits Program anticipates hosting one grant cycle in 2017, with a request for proposals released early in the year.

Questions about eligibility, the grant process, and priorities for the Panhandle Wind Community Benefits Program can be directed to grants@aaf-hf.org. Or, please call 806-376-4521.