HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-03-2017 - 6-d - Proposed Projects for Golden LEAF Foundation’s Community Based Grantsmaking Initiative 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 3, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-d
SUBJECT: Proposed Projects for Golden LEAF Foundation's Community Based
Grantsmaking Initiative
DEPARTMENT: Manager's Office, Economic
Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1) Community Based Grantsmaking Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager,
Initiative (CBGI) FY 2018 Proposed 919-245-2308
Project Summary Steve Brantley, Economic Development,
2) Golden LEAF Community Based 919-245-2326
Grantsmaking Initiative PowerPoint
3) September 26, 2017 Letter from Town
of Carrboro Mayor
UNDER SEPARATE COVER
4) Additional Grant Application
Information — Only Available
Electronically at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xof3dc6ov0
cu1m1/AA p5axq CzOl OU116myo
Za?d1=0
PURPOSE: To review and select up to three grant proposals, totaling no more than $1.5 million
for all three proposals, and authorize the County Manager to submit by October 20th to the
Golden LEAF Foundation's FY2018 Community Based Grantsmaking Initiative.
BACKGROUND: The Golden LEAF Foundation is North Carolina's designated tobacco
settlement trust agency that makes grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities
across North Carolina. Approved grants focus on three core priorities: agriculture, economic
development job growth and retention, and workforce preparedness. Projects that focus on
other opportunities to support and develop economic strength in tobacco-dependent,
economically distressed, and/or rural communities are considered. The Foundation's mission is
to transform the economy of rural, tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas of the
state. In calendar year 2016, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded over
$105 million in grants.
On August 7th County staff attended a presentation by Golden LEAF Foundation President Dan
Gerlach, who outlined the agency's "Community Based Grantsmaking Initiative" for FY 17-18
that is now focusing on the 15-county North Central Region of the North Carolina. The
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presentation is attached for review. Orange County is included in the designated region, which
the State of North Carolina calls the North Central Prosperity Zone. For the North Central
Region, Golden LEAF has budgeted $11 million for the initiative, and anticipates it may see total
grant requests rise to $22.5 million if all 15 regional counties each receive a maximum grant
capped at $1.5 million per county.
Orange County is eligible to submit up to three projects totaling no more than $1.5 million for all
projects. The due date for the County's initial grant application to be submitted to Golden LEAF
is October 20, 2017, and a final decision will be made on April 5, 2018. Approved grant
applications require a 20% cash match at the local level. Grant applications that have the best
chance for approval and funding are those that address economic development, education,
workforce development, physical infrastructure (including health care infrastructure), and
agriculture.
Other factors that can influence Golden LEAF's favorable review of a grant application include
the following:
• Description of need in the County
• The County's process to select the project being nominated for a grant, and how it is a
direct fit with Golden LEAF's core priorities
• The County's past planning efforts, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
(SWOT) analyses, and related studies that focus on the nominated projects
• The County's and related agencies' ability to conduct the work, achieve results, and
manage all reporting documentation requirements
• Examples to show broad community support for the project
• A description of the 20% local cash match by the County
• Any previous Golden LEAF grants in the past (such as Golden LEAF's funding
assistance with the Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) food
processing incubator)
• The impact and potential outcomes, and population served in the County by the proposed
projects
Five potential projects have been submitted to the County Manager's office for consideration
and are summarized in Attachment 1.
Orange County Proposals
• Eno Economic Development District (EDD) Gravity Sewer Extension
• Buckhorn-Mebane EDD Gravity Sewer Extension
• Hillsborough EDD Water and Sewer Infrastructure
Town of Carrboro Proposal
• Old NC 86 Light Industry/Flex Park
Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) Proposal
• Regional Cold-Chain and Co-packing Initiative
Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle has provided a letter at Attachment 3 in support of the Old NC 86
Light Industry/Flex Park grant requested by the Town.
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Additional information on the grant applications, provided as Attachment 4, is only available
electronically at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xof3dc6ovOcu m /AABp5axcmCzOID OUii6myoZa?d1=0
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Golden LEAF grant application process requires a 20% cash match
for any grant proposal. The County's water and sewer projects are already budgeted with debt
service being paid through Article 46 funding. As a result, Article 46 funds would serve as the
match for those projects.
The Town of Carrboro plans to utilize the US Department of Agriculture Rural Economic
Development Loan & Grant Program (USDA REDLG), administered through Piedmont Electrical
Coop, under which the town would pay back over a 10 year period at 0% interest to cover its
20% local match requirement.
PFAP would be seeking Article 46 funding to cover the 20% local match ($70,000.)
If one of the County's sewer infrastructure projects is selected and funded with grant funds,
Article 46 funds dedicated to debt service may be reallocated to other projects.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and
dependents.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board review this opportunity
through the Golden LEAF Foundation, and authorize the Manager to submit Letters of Inquiry to
Golden LEAF for the following three projects totaling $1.5 million:
1. Hillsborough Economic Development District Water and Sewer Infrastructure - $400,000;
2. Town of Carrboro Light Industry/Flex Park - $820,000; and
3. Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) Proposal Regional Cold-Chain
and Co-packing Initiative - $280,000.
lAttachment 1 4
-,h LEAF
Community Based Grants Initiative(CBGI)FY 2018
G,,,t,I in it,d to projects that Ad—economic d—I.pro—,education,—Ff.—development,physical ii-f—tri-coo,(including health c—infrastructure)and agriculture
Project Name Project Description Total Project Cost Maximum Minimum Department/Agency
Amount Requested Amount Requested
Project includes approximately 7,700 feet of gravity sewer infrastructure to serve up to 150 acres in the in the Eno Economic
Development District(EDD).This 776 acre area of the County has been designated an Economic Development District for about two
s.
decade but has not seen the development originally envisioned due to the lack of water or sewer infrastructure available to support
Eno EDD development.Design and construction of sewer infrastructure in this EDD will remove one of the barriers to development and Orange County
Gnurity Sewer Extension creating jobs.This area is located along the Interstate 40/85 and US 70 corridor in eastern Orange County.If funded,this project is $1,925,000 $600,000 $400,000 Pla nn�ing Department
scheduled for completion in November 2018.Since engineering design work is completed,funds will be utilized for construction work.
Infrastructure improvements will assist in supporting economic development efforts to recruit industries with the intention to invest
in and create jobs forthe rural areas of the county.
Project includes approximately 10,000 feet of gravity sewer infrastructure to serve up to 281 acres in the Buckhorn-Mebane Economic
Development District(EDD).This 200 acre area of the County has been designated an Economic Development District and is one of
the few ce
acres with,it access.The design and construction of water and sewer infrastructure in this EDD will facilitate development in
Burkhorn-Mebane EDD the area This area is located alongthe Interstate 40/85 and US 70 corridor in western Orange County.Iffunded,this project is $2,570,000 $1,250,000 $950,000 Orange County
Gravity Sewer Extention scheduled for completion in December 2022.Funds will be utilized for design and construction work.Infrastructure improvements will Planning Department
assist in supporting economic development efforts to recruit industries with the intention to invest in and create jobs for the rural
areas of the county.
Project includes the construction of public water and sewer infrastructure to serve up to 184 acres.This area of the County has been
designated an Economic Development District for about two decades,but has not seen the development originally envisioned due to
Hillsborough EDD the lack ofwater or sewer infrastructure available to support development.Design and construction of sewer and water
Water and Sewer Infrastructure infrastructure in this EDD will remove barriers to development and creating jobs.This area is located alongthe Interstate 40 corridor $1,530,000 $600,000 $400,000 Planning County
in central Orange County.Iffunded,this project is scheduled for completion in March 2019.Grant funds will be utilized for design and turning Department
construction work.Infrastructure improvements will assist in supporting economic development efforts to recruit industries with the
intention to invest in and create jobs forthe rural areas of the county.
The Town of Carrboro is seekingfunding to off set infrastructure cost of a light industry/flex parkfor job creation and retention.The
town owns a 22 acre parcel at 7917 Old 86,in a rural area of Orange Co.The project will include 90,000+/-sq ft of flexible
wanehous e space. Funds from the Golden Leaf Foundation would be used for off site infrastructure including a 3500'
Old 86 Light Industry/Flex Park extension of=ircto the site and needed road improvements.Keeping cost low is a top priority for this project due to the lack of $1,200,000 $960,000 $960,000 Town of Carrboro
affordable space in the community.RFPs forthe project will go out in Jan.2018.The land would be continued to be owned by the
Town.Construction ofthe parkwould begin in June of 2018.Sewer and road improvements would take approximately one year to
complete with a completion date oflune 2019.The project meets a demonstrated industry demand for affordable commercial space
within Orange County and would serve small business owners including those who live in rural Orange.
Our aging mechanical freezer is lailing and unre ia for storing in is e pro uc pa icularly the anticipated new Cff clien s.PFAP
i s request ing$120,000 to expand the existingfreezer e box capacity in order to offer expanded reliable cold-chain support.Completion
of this project would give central North Carolina farmers and food entrepreneurs an expanded critical resource to add value
to their
PFAP Regional Cold-Chain and products,open new businesses and increase their markets.Add itionaly,in the 6 years of PFAP existence,a number of succsssfully Piedmont Food and Agricultural
Copadding Initiative launched businesses reacher point where the owner-ent repreneurs hit a limit on the it ability to continue to grow the business.One $350,000 $280,000 $280,000 Processing Center
important reason includes lack of a local contract copacke r.This fund ing will help create an internal copacking service unique to the
area to help solve that problem.PFAP is req nesting$160,000 to install the copacking line and to hire and train staff to serve those
successful entrepreneurs.
Totals $7,575000 $3,690,000 $2,990,000
o
Golden LEAF ,
F 0 U N D A T 1 0 N
Community Based
Grantsmaking Initiative
Dan Gerlach , President
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North Central Region
g e;
N a -h
7 e t r
Is
i�
CR
Uolden LEAF
Community Based Grants Initiative FY 2018
The Competition
• The Foundation has budgeted $11 million for
this Initiative in FY 2018
• Total requests could equal $22.5 million (15
counties multiplied by $1 .5 million)
• Does not interfere with other programs
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(jolden LEAF
Community Based Grants Initiative (CBGI)
FY 2018
SIMILAR GOALS TO AN EARLIER PROGRAM
• Providing for clearly identified priorities/solving needs at
local level
• For those with competitive projects, awarding significant
grants per county (up to $1 .5 million)
• Targeting communities that are the most in need
• Promoting economic growth and development in long term
• Doing the most good for the most people
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Golden LEAF
U N DA T 1 ON
Community Based Grants Initiative FY 2017-18
THE PROCESS CHANGES
• It is competitive to any county within a region. Counties may submit between 1-3 Letters
of Inquiry for project ideas that total no more than $1 .5 million.
• Only project ideas that are endorsed by county manager will receive consideration.
• Not all counties, nor all project ideas, will receive funding.
• It is an abbreviated process to identify those projects that are ready to move the needle
quickly, more similar to other Golden LEAF grant programs.
• It is a focused process with grants targeted toward investments in the building blocks of
economic growth.
• 20 percent of the total project cost must come from other sources
• All counties will be able to apply when it is their region's turn. We are currently
implementing this process in the North Central Prosperity Zone. 5
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Golden LEAF 0
FOUNDATION
Community Based Grants Initiative FY 2018
Characteristics of Competitive Projects. . .
• Clearly meet identified issue/need in county, Golden LEAF priorities and are aligned with
investments in the building blocks of economic growth. Will help improve human/physical capital
that makes the county more attractive as a place to create, grow or locate a business. Grants are
limited to projects that address economic development, education, workforce development,
physical infrastructure (including health care infrastructure), and agriculture
• Will "do the most good for the most people"
• Demonstrate a timeliness of need and an ability to put grant funds to work quickly
• Focused on action, not planning
• Leverage additional funds/investment and community buy-in - 20% local CASH match preferred
• Will leverage previous community planning processes and build on their results/findings
• Are sustainable
• Have strong support from variety of county citizens/organizations (involvement, letters, process)
• Low priorities include proposals related to: tourism/arts/cultural resources, shell/spec
buildings, emergency services, social services
• Past performance and track record with Golden LEAF grants is considered 6
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u
Uolden _ t
0 N �
MAJOR POINTS OF PROCESS
• The County Manager serves as the key contact of the process, in terms of
responsibility for submitting a slate of projects that are ready to go. Projects do not
have to be administered by county government
• To be competitive, a 20% CASH match for the project must be secured or pending
• The CBGI only accounts for just over one-third of Golden LEAF's grantsmaking this
year, and projects fitting under other programs can feel free to submit proposals
under those funding cycles. HOWEVER, to be considered under another Golden
LEAF funding cycle (Open Grants, Economic Catalyst) you must follow those
processes to apply
• 3 Step Review and Decision Process: County Manager Selects and Submits Project
Letters of Inquiry (LOI), Golden LEAF Board invites or declines to invite full proposal
based on LOI, Golden LEAF Board approves or declines full proposal applications
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olden
Community Based Grants Initiative FY 2018 North Central
Projected Process
• August 2017 : Briefings on CBGI process for the North Central Prosperity Zone
• October 20, 2017: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) form for 1-3 projects are due from County Manager.
County Manager must endorse the Letter of Inquiry with a signature and provide a cover letter
explaining how the LOls were selected and how the project will address economic transition. Letter of
Inquiry (LOI) forms are distributed at this meeting and available on the Golden LEAF website at
www.goldenleaf.org. NOTE: LOI forms received by Golden LEAF without an endorsement signature from
the County Manager will not be considered for funding in this initiative. To be considered under Golden
LEAF's other funding cycle-you must apply through those processes.
• November 2017: Golden LEAF staff completes review of LOIs and President will provide
feedback on submissions. There will be a brief window of opportunity to strengthen the case for a
project and provide clarifying information.
• December 7, 2017: Golden LEAF Board of Directors votes on LOIs. The vote is whether or not to
invite a full proposal based on the LOI.
• January 19, 2018: For those invited — FULL grant proposal packages are due
• Late January - February 2018 (dates will be announced): Golden LEAF conducts site visits with
proposal applicants
• April 5, 2018: Golden LEAF Board votes on full proposals from Piedmont Triad
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Uolden LEAF
1- 0 U N DAT 1 ON
County Managers will submit from 1 to 3 LOI forms for
projects that total no more than $1 .5 million . The LOIs must be
accompanied by a cover letter that describes the following :
• Description of need in the county
• Description of the process for selecting the LOI projects
• Priority order of the submitted projects
• Description of past planning processes and/or SWOT analyses that inform the
selection of priority projects
• The potential and capacity of project organizations to carry out the work,
achieve results, maintain sustainability and manage reporting/documentation
requirements
• Description of the base of community support for projects across sectors
• If applicable, an assessment of the impact and success of past Golden LEAF
funded projects
• Description of local match and leverage
• Description of impact, outcome measures and population served by the
proposed slate of projects 9
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Uolden LEAV
FOUNDATION
Grants Management Capacity is Critical
• The ability of any applicant to meet Golden
LEAF reporting requirements and provide
verification of expenditures, activities and
outcomes is a strong consideration .
• Interested applicants should take note:
➢ Be realistic about outcomes that will result from the
project — they will be tracked . . .sometimes for years to
come
➢ Be sure that projected budget numbers are close if not
firm-Golden LEAF will not go back and add dollars to an
existing grant award
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Golden LEAFI�ls
FOUNDATION
Non - Negotiables
Eligible Applicant — must be a 501 (c)(3) or governmental entity
Eligible Uses of Funds
must be charitable — no impermissible private benefit
typically do not make grants for purchase of land or buildings
typically do not make grants to reimburse for prior expenditures
typically do not make grants to capital campaigns or to build endowments
Priority projects subject to due diligence by Golden LEAF staff, Board and legal counsel as
necessary
Golden LEAF Board of Directors makes final funding decisions
Funded projects subject to all reporting requirements of Golden LEAF Foundation and Office
of N.C. State Auditor/Offices of State Budget and Management as applicable. Grantees
must meet all compliance conditions as outlined in the grantee agreement
All correspondence/communications to and from Golden LEAF are subject to the North
Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties
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Udden LEAF
UN DAT ION
Parting Words :
• Urgency
• Specific Outcomes
• Significance
• Focus
•
Capacity
• History
•
Geography
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U' olden
LEAF ,"".
FO U N DA TI I
Thank you for your attention .
Questions?
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Attachment 3
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September 26, 2017
Mark Dorosin,Chairman
Orange County Board of Commissioners
201 I I S.Cameron Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Dear Mark,
Please accept this letter as a formal request to the Orange County Board of Commissioners to consider
the Town of Ca rrboro's application for funding from the Golden Leaf Foundation, The Town of Carrboro
is seeking funding for the Old 86 project for sewer extension and road improvements. The Golden Leaf
Foundation will only accept applications that are endorsed by County Managers,therefore we are asking,
this project be considered along with other county projects.
Sincerely,
0"--7
Lydia Lavelle, Mayor
Town of Carrboro
Cc: Orange County Board of Commissioners
Town of Cantor° Board of Aldermen
David Andrews,Carrboro Town Manager
Steve Brantley, Orange County Economic illevellopment Director
Annette Stone, Town of Carrboro Economic and
Community Development