JACKSON,
Mich., Oct. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Consumers Energy Foundation announced its 2024 Prosperity Award
Winners today, with recipients in West
Branch and Mundy Township
each receiving $250,000 in grant
funding for projects in their communities. The Prosperity Awards,
one of three signature grant rounds offered by the Foundation each
year, aim to support economic development and improve community
welfare.
"Accessible parks and inviting green spaces are a vital part of
any thriving community," said Brandon
Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation.
"Economic development is bolstered, and neighborhood affinity is
made stronger, when those spaces have the amenities necessary to
host events, attract tourists, and promote local businesses. We're
proud to distribute these grants to two projects that will provide
those benefits and more to their communities."
The Prosperity Awards recipients chosen from more than 90
applicants are:
- City of West
Branch ($250,000)
-
- Grant funding will support the construction of the "Gathering
Place", a strategically located park in downtown West Branch that will transform an empty lot
into a central location for social interactions, events and
cultural activities. The park will feature a pergola, benches,
tables, green spaces and other amenities. Local artists will
contribute to the park's design, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of
the area and supporting local talent.
- Mundy
Township ($250,000)
-
- Grant funding will support the site preparation and
construction of a universally designed and accessible amphitheater
stage at Mundy Miracle Commons Park, the largest barrier-free park
in Michigan. The amphitheater,
designed and planned in partnership with the Disability Network of
Genesee County, will provide
musical and theatrical entertainment for the park while
incorporating amenities that accommodate the sensory
experience.
"The City of West Branch is
excited and honored to be chosen for this grant," said John Dantzer, West
Branch City Manager. "The grant will allow for the creation
of a park that will help with the revitalization of our downtown by
attracting visitors to our businesses, while also enhancing the
lives of our residents."
"I'm grateful and excited for this substantial investment from
Consumers Energy to support the next phase of development at Mundy
Miracle Commons," said Tonya
Ketzler, Mundy Township
Supervisor. "We're proud to say the Commons is the largest
municipally owned universal design outdoor recreation park in
Michigan, with a mission to
provide a place where people of all abilities will be able to play,
dream, and enjoy nature. This funding from our partners at
Consumers will further advance that mission by allowing music,
theatre, and other community events to become a reality at Mundy
Miracle Commons."
The Prosperity Awards are the Consumers Energy Foundation's
final signature grant allocations in 2024 totaling $1.5 million. The Foundation previously
awarded the Planet Awards in April and the People
Awards in July.
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm
of Consumers Energy, Michigan's
largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth
and strengthening of Michigan
communities by investing in what's most important — our
people, our planet and Michigan's
prosperity. In 2023, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers
Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than
$11 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more
information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy
(NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8
million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to
ConsumersEnergy.com.
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SOURCE Consumers Energy