San Juan County Clean Energy Foundation awards nearly $100,000 to five organizations

The San Juan County Clean Energy Foundation (SJCCEF) revealed the local organizations selected to receive grant funding in the first half of 2023.
Supported by local company and leading critical mineral producer Energy Fuels, the SJCCEF is committed to investing in regional initiatives that strengthen the local community and enhance the quality of life for residents. 
To date in 2023, the SJCCEF has awarded $94,210 in grants to five organizations.
They include:
• Canyonlands Field Institute,
• Navajo Nation Red Mesa Chapter,
• The Dinosaur Museum,
• Navajo Nation Teec Nos Pos Chapter, and
• San Juan Bronco Football Team.
Funds from 2023 grants are already being used to support projects, including Canyonland Field Institute’s Native Teen Guide-in-Training Camp, household sanitation services throughout two chapters of the Navajo Nation, equipment for the San Juan High School football team, and a new solar energy system for Blanding’s Dinosaur Museum.
“We are grateful for the Foundation’s generous contribution to The Dinosaur Museum for our new solar panels,” said museum director, Sylvia Czerkas. “We have finalized an agreement with a company committed to using local workers for the project which will make our goal of clean, affordable energy, while expanding our museum’s days of operation a reality.”
A committee of leaders who live and work in San Juan County evaluate all grant applications.
“As members of the advisory board, we take our role seriously by thoroughly reviewing and evaluating applications,” said Advisory Board Chair Ryan Benally.
“We are proud to support initiatives that contribute to the values and economic advancement of the area, while celebrating and preserving the unique qualities of our region.”
Established in 2021, the SJCCEF was seeded with an initial $1 million from Energy Fuels and receives ongoing support based on a percentage of revenues generated by the White Mesa Mill in Blanding. 
“We established the Foundation to support local organizations that share our vision for a thriving and prosperous San Juan County,” said Energy Fuels President and CEO Mark Chalmers.
“We are proud to be part of this community, and we’re thrilled to support the work these organizations do to benefit San Juan County.”
Grant applications are open and reviewed on a continuous basis throughout the year. The SJCCEF advisory board have met to evaluate the second-quarter award applications. The next deadline to apply for the third-quarter round of funding is September 30, 2023.
SJCCEF was created to make positive impacts on communities in San Juan County. Established in 2021, the SJCCEF receives 100 percent of its funding from Energy Fuels, a leading U.S. producer of critical minerals used in clean energy and advanced technology products and one of the largest private employers in San Juan County.
SJCCEF provides funding to organizations that support initiatives in education, environment, health and wellness, the economy, and tribal prosperity. Learn more at sanjuancountycleanenergy.org.