WHITE CO., Ill. (WFIE) – Officials say Meadow Springs Renewable Energy has been awarded $8,500 in community grants during the first quarter of 2026, supporting three local organizations in White County.

According to a press release, the funding was awarded to Norris City-Omaha-Enfield Future Farmers of America (NCOE FFA), We Love White County and the White County 4-H Support Committee, which expanded access to education, food security and youth programming across the county.

They say NCOE FFA will use its grant to provide students with experiential learning through the construction of a concession stand and restroom next to the high school baseball fields.

The initiative is designed to give students practical construction experience while addressing a longstanding need for accessible restrooms for community members attending local sporting and recreational events.

We Love White County will direct its funding to its food distribution ministry, which provides over a week’s worth of groceries to about 100 families each month.

Officials say the White County 4-H Support Committee will use its grant to reduce the barriers to participation in its Extension and 4-H programming as interest continues to grow, particularly in Special Interest (SPIN) Clubs.

Meadow Springs Renewable Energy is now accepting applications for its second-quarter 2026 grant cycle.

Nonprofits serving White County are encouraged to apply at meadowspringsrenewableenergy.com.