Honeoye Falls-based Wild Wings Inc. has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Avangrid Foundation, a philanthropic arm of energy company Avangrid Inc. The funding is part of a broader $400,000 initiative supporting 19 wildlife rehabilitation organizations across 12 states—the largest such distribution in the program’s nine-year history.
The grant will allow Wild Wings Inc. to provide free educational programming to underserved students in the Rochester area. Wild Wings, a nonprofit organization, operates a birds-of-prey facility and the Mendon Ponds Park Nature Center, caring for non-releasable animals and promoting environmental conservation.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the Avangrid Foundation in partnering with Wild Wings Inc. to provide free educational programming for low-income and underserved students in the Rochester area,” said Terry Kozakiewicz, the organization’s executive director. “This funding allows us to bring hands-on, impactful learning experiences to students who may not otherwise have access.”
Avangrid Foundation Director Pablo Colón emphasized the importance of supporting biodiversity and community education. “This year’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program grantees are providing critical care to wildlife and important education in our communities on how to protect wildlife and their habitats,” he said.
Since its inception, the Avangrid Foundation’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program has granted more than $1 million to support wildlife centers nationwide. The funding aids operational expenses, facility improvements, and outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness and engagement with local wildlife conservation efforts.
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