Cumberland County Extension Education Building Association (CCEEBA) announced it has been awarded a $20,000 RISE Grant from Earthrise Energy to support the construction of its livestock and community youth facility in Toledo, Illinois. The funding will be used to pay down the debt for the facility, which opened its doors last year to host 4-H, FFA, and other local community events, as part of CCEEBA’s “Raisin’ the Roof” capital campaign for the project.

The announcement was made at the 4 Kids Livestock Auction held at the livestock and community youth facility with Earthrise Energy, CCEEBA Board members and 4-H representatives in attendance on Tuesday, July 18.

“We are excited to kick off today’s 4 Kids Livestock Auction with this great news,” said Katy Light, CCEEBA Fundraising Volunteer. “CCEEBA is so grateful for Earthrise Energy’s contribution to our project and in return our communities. Our new community building provides us a much-needed venue for area youth to come together with their families for agriculture-based programs and events.”

Earthrise Energy’s RISE grant program is part of the company’s overall commitment to strengthen the local communities where it operates and serves. As the owner of the Shelby County Energy Center in Neoga, Earthrise established its RISE Grant program to support nonprofit organizations directly providing programs or services that improve the environment, support excellence in education, and serve its local communities.

“Partnering with CCEEBA in support of local youth is a perfect fit for Earthrise Energy due to our connection with the community and passion for education,” said Jonathan Hartigan, Earthrise Energy’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are thrilled to contribute to CCEEBA’s efforts and this important community facility, where we know children will develop workforce skills, create meaningful relationships, and lifelong memories.”

This Earthrise RISE grant award is the latest in a series of investments that Earthrise Energy has made in central Illinois since acquiring the Shelby County Energy Center, Gibson City Energy Center, and Tilton Power Plant in December 2021. Earthrise Energy has invested nearly $100,000 in grants, sponsorships and other giving since establishing its RISE Grant program in 2022 to support local nonprofits, bolster civic life, and benefit local communities throughout Illinois.

To learn more about how you can contribute to CCEEBA’s Raisin’ the Roof campaign go to  https://buildcumberlandil.com.

About Earthrise Energy

Earthrise Energy, PBC, is an independent power producer advancing the clean energy transition. As a public benefit corporation, Earthrise seeks to power our world more responsibly, sustainably, and equitably than ever before. The company acquires, develops, and operates power generation facilities to provide reliable electricity, support decarbonizing the grid, and meet the evolving needs of our customers and communities. The company is developing more than 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy projects and has an operating portfolio of flexible natural gas peaking plants that provide nearly 1.7 gigawatts of capacity to support a future energy system that is reliable, resilient, and renewable. Learn about Earthrise Energy at  earthriseenergy.com.