Avantus to Invest $100,000 Annually in New Community Fund 

Community Fund Resources Support Community Impacted by Coal Plant Retirement Transitioning to Clean Renewable Energy Development

January 9, 2023

LECHEE, Ariz.— Avantus (formerly 8minute) has partnered with Navajo United Way to invest nearly $100,000 per year in the LeChee community of the Navajo Nation through the newly created Red Antelope Community Fund (Fund). The Fund will support local initiatives and projects that create social, environmental, economic, and other benefits important to community members.

Since announcing the proposed Red Antelope Solar and Energy Storage project, Avantus has conducted extensive outreach to inform the community about the project’s many benefits.  According to Community and Tribal Relations Director Collette Brown-Rodriguez, in addition to the promise of job opportunities, lease revenues, and a cleaner environment, it is essential to forge lasting partnerships with communities that host Avantus projects.

"This Fund is the result of extensive outreach and feedback from community members concerning our proposed project," she said. "It allows us to support and directly invest in local education and youth programs, elder services, environmental stewardship, and community development. We have already begun funding short-term requests, including ten Chromebooks for the Chapter's afterschool program and kitchen supplies for the Community Senior Center."

According to Brown-Rodriguez, Avantus will eventually look to fund long-term projects such as the Light Up Navajo initiative, entrepreneurial and small business training, and other community development projects. She says the company looks to build upon its record of successful partnerships with other Native American tribes impacted by coal plant retirement. 

"We hope to be long-standing and active partners in the community," said Brown-Rodriguez. "The annual contributions will be in place throughout the project's expected lifespan, which, if approved, will span 35 years. With the help of Navajo United Way, we expect this Fund to do wonderful things for the chapter residents." 

Navajo United Way Executive Director Dr. Laura Mike says she is thrilled to partner with Avantus to meet the community's needs. 

"We are thrilled to partner with Avantus to help meet some of the needs in the LeChee Chapter," she said. "We have a lot of experience setting up and administering community funds to serve under-resourced and marginalized communities. Community funds are a terrific way for organizations to give back while maintaining transparency and accountability for how funds are used."

Photo: Simone Richardson, Avantus consultant (left), and Chapter Planning and Zoning Committee member Michelle Alex (middle) deliver supplies to the LeChee Chapter Senior Center with funds from the Red Antelope Community Fund.