HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-074-E-County Mgr-Town of Carrboro-Energy Efficiency ProgramClimate Action Grant Program
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COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION GRANT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into the twenty fourth day of February 2026, (“Effective Date”) by
and between the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of North Carolina, Post Office Box
8181, Hillsborough, North Carolina, 27278, ("County") and Town of Carrboro, a legal entity corporation,
located at 301 West Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 (“Provider”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, it is in the interests of the County that said program be assisted by the County and thereby
enhance its availability to residents of the County, and said program addresses an important community
human services need, as identified by the Board of Commissioners.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual covenants and conditions hereafter set
forth, the County and Provider agree as follows:
1. Term of the Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall be two years beginning February 24
2026 to February 24, 2028.
2. Scope of Services.
a. Provider will provide services, as outlined in the attached Community Climate Action Grant
Application and any amendments or revision thereto which is attached as Exhibit “A” and
incorporated by reference, to the residents of Orange County. The Scope of Services and
the Program Budget may be different from the original application based on County
appropriation; however, any revisions or amendments to this Agreement must be approved
in writing by the County and attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B.
b. The Provider shall be solely responsible for the means, methods, techniques, sequence, safety
program and procedures necessary to properly and fully complete the work set forth in the
Scope of Services.
3. Funding.
a. The County agrees to appropriate for the provision of services described in Exhibit A, the
Community Climate Action Grant Program Application, Exhibit b, the Revised Scope of
Services and more particularly described in the Revised Program Budget, the maximum sum
of $29,145.
b. All funds appropriated shall be used for purposes described in Exhibit A. Any funds not
used for the purposes stated shall be returned to the County. Any changes in the use of funds
must be authorized in writing by the County prior to any expenditure of the funds by the
Provider. If the funds are expended not in accordance with the Scope of Services, at the
discretion of the County the Provider may be required to repay the funds to the County.
c. The Provider shall be paid in installments in the amount of see Exhibit C. The first payment
is contingent upon receipt of the agency’s performance agreement; the remaining payments
are contingent upon receipt of the request for reimbursement and related supporting
documentation. If the project described in Exhibit A requires funds to be provided on a
different or more accelerated schedule, the Provider may request an alternative payment
schedule, which, if approved, will be attached to this agreement as Exhibit C, Alternative
Payment Schedule. Should an alternative payment schedule be approved, the Provider will
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still be required to submit quarterly Progress Reports for the duration of the Term of the
Agreement.
d. The County’s obligation to make the quarterly payments is contingent upon receipt of
Progress Reports, which show satisfactory progress toward completion of performance
measures and an accounting of expenditures as detailed in the attached Exhibits B and C.
e. Once Provider has satisfied its obligations as provided in (d) payment will be made 21 days
after receipt of the Progress Report and Request for Reimbursement or 21 days after due date
of Progress Report whichever is later.
f. The County is not obligated to provide any other support to Provider in this or in succeeding
fiscal years.
4. Agency Reporting.
a. Provider will provide Orange County a Progress Report that includes a fiscal report and
updates on performance measures as outlined in the Scope of Services. Progress Report dates
are: January 1-March 31, April 1- June 30, July 1- September 30, October 1-December
31. Reports are due on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15 of the program
fiscal year.
b. Provider agrees to allow the County to inspect its financial books and records, which
document costs of those services, upon reasonable notice during normal working hours.
5. Termination.
a. Termination for Cause. In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter
referred to as “default”), the County may immediately terminate this Agreement, in whole or
in part, and from time to time. Notice of termination must be in writing, state the reason or
reasons for the termination, and specify the effective date of the termination:
i. In the event that Provider shall cease to exist as an organization or shall enter
bankruptcy proceedings, be declared insolvent, or liquidate all or substantially all of
its assets, or significantly reduce its services or accessibility to Orange County
residents during the term of this Agreement; or
ii. In the event that Provider shall fail to render a satisfactory accounting as provided
section 4 above, the County may terminate this Agreement and Provider shall return
all payments already made to it by the County for services which have not been
provided or for which no satisfactory accounting has been rendered; or
iii. In the event of any fraudulent representation by the Provider in an invoice or other
verification required to obtain payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on
a material matter relating to the performance of services under this Agreement.
iv. Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to satisfactorily
perform any part of the work identified in the Scope of Services or to comply with
any provision of this Agreement, as determined by the County in its sole discretion.
v. Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws, regulations,
or stated public policy.
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b. In the event of default by the Provider, the county may elect to terminate this Agreement, in
whole or in part and/or require the Provider to repay the funds within ten (10) business days
from written notice of default. The County may (but shall not be required to) grant the
Provider an opportunity to cure the default without termination of this Agreement. This
clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s remedies in law or in equity.
c. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate the agreement at any time without
penalty; provided that written notice of such termination is furnished to the other party at
least 30 days prior to termination. In the event of such termination, any payment due shall
be prorated to the date of termination and any unused funds shall be returned to the County
within 10 days of termination.
d. Any termination of this Agreement for default under this section that is later deemed to be
unjustified shall be deemed a termination for convenience.
e. Waiver. The payment of any sums by the County under this Agreement or the failure of the
County to require compliance by the Provider with any provisions of this Agreement or the
waiver by the County of any breach of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any
claim for damages by the County for any breach of this Agreement or a waiver of any other
required compliance with this Agreement.
6. Responsibilities of the County.
Cooperation and Coordination. The County has designated (Amy Eckberg) to act as the
County's representative with respect to the Project who shall have the authority to render
decisions within guidelines established by the County Manager or the County Board of
Commissioners and who shall be available during working hours as often as may be
reasonably required to render decisions and to furnish information.
7. Insurance.
a. General Requirements. The Provider shall purchase and maintain, during the period of
performance of this Agreement, insurance:
i. Worker’s Compensation. For protection from claims under workers' or workmen's
compensation acts;
ii. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance covering claims arising out of or relating
to bodily injury, including bodily injury, sickness, disease or death of any of the
Consultant's employees or any other person and to real and personal property
including loss of use resulting thereof;
iii. Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance, including hired and non-owned
vehicles, if any, covering personal injury or death, and property damage; and
iv. Professional Liability Insurance, covering personal injury, bodily injury and property
damage and claims arising out of or related to the performance under this Agreement
by the Consultant or his agents, consultants and employees.
v. Sexual Misconduct. Sexual Abuse/Molestation Insurance is required when Provider
works directly one-on-one with children, elderly or other at-risk populations.
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b. Limits of Coverage: Minimum limits of insurance coverage shall be as follows:
INSURANCE DESCRIPTION MINIMUM REQUIRED COVERAGE
• Worker's Compensation Limits for Coverage A - Statutory State
NC & Coverage B - Employers Liability
$500,000 each accident, disease policy limit and
disease each employee
• Commercial General $1,000,000 Each Occurrence
Liability $2,000,000 Aggregate
• Automobile Liability $500,000 Combined Single Limit
• Professional Liability $1,000,000 Each Occurrence
$2,000,000 Aggregate
• Sexual Misconduct $1,000,000 Each Occurrence
$2,000,000 Aggregate
c. All insurance policies (with the exception of Worker's Compensation and Professional
Liability) required under this Agreement shall name the County as an additional insured party
and as a certificate holder. For more information see the Orange County Risk Transfer
Policy and Orange County Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements, (each
document is incorporated herein by reference and may be viewed at
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php.)
Evidence of such insurance and all correspondence shall be sent to:
Orange County Risk Manager
Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
d. Nothing in this section is intended to affect or abrogate the County’s sovereign immunity
defenses.
8. General Provisions.
a. Governing Law. This Agreement and the duties, responsibilities, obligations and rights of
respective parties hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. By
executing this Agreement Provider affirms that Provider and any subcontractors of Provider
are and shall remain in compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General
Statutes. By executing this Agreement Provider certifies that Provider has not been
identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the
list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. By executing this Agreement
Provider certifies that Provider has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of
any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to
G.S. 147-86.81.
b. Non-Discrimination. Provider agrees as part of consideration of the granting of funds by
Orange County the parties hereto for themselves, their agents, officials, employees and
servants agree not to discriminate in any manner of these basis of race, color, gender, national
origin, age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, familial status or veterans status with
reference to any activities carried out by the grantee, no matter how remote. The parties
hereto further agree in all respects to conform to the provision and intent of Orange County
Civil Rights Ordinance, as amended and the Orange County Non-discrimination Policy,
which is incorporated herein by reference and can be viewed at
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php. The
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County may enforce this provision by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief,
or other remedy as by law provided; this provision shall be binding on the grantees, the
successors and assigns of the parties hereto with reference to the above subject manner.
c. Dispute Resolution. Any and all suits or actions to enforce, interpret or seek damages with
respect to any provision of, or the performance or non-performance of, this Agreement shall
be brought in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina sitting in Orange County, North
Carolina. It is agreed by the parties that no other court shall have jurisdiction or venue with
respect to such suits or actions. Binding arbitration may not be initiated by either Party,
however, the Parties may agree to nonbinding mediation of any dispute prior to the bringing
of such suit or action.
d. Living Wage. Orange County is committed to providing its employees with a living wage
and encourages agencies if funds to pursue the same goal. The Orange County Living Wage
Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference, can be viewed at:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php. The
County’s living wage is $22.60 per hour. To the extent possible, Orange County
recommends that Provider provide a living wage to its employees.
e. Relationship of the Parties. Provider is an independent contractor of the County. Provider
represents that they have or will secure, at his own expense, all personnel required in
performing the services under this Agreement. Such personnel shall not be employees or
have any contractual relationship with the County. All personnel engaged in work under this
Agreement shall be fully qualified and shall be authorized and permitted under federal, state
and local law to perform such services.
f. Compliance with all Laws. The Provider, at its sole expense, shall comply with all laws,
ordinances, orders and regulations of the federal, state or local governments, as well as their
respective departments, commissions, boards, and officers, which are in effect at the time of
execution of this Agreement or are adopted at any time following execution of this
agreement.
g. Subcontract. The County and Provider deem the services provided under this Agreement
to be personal in nature and Provider may not subcontract any rights or duties under this
Agreement to any other party without prior written consent from the County.
h. Assignment. The Provider shall not assign this Agreement, including the rights to payment,
to any other party without the prior written consent of the County.
i. Indemnification. Provider agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, for
all loss, liability, claims or expense (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from bodily
injury, including death or property damage, to any person or persons caused in whole or in
part by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Provider, except to the extent same are
caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the County. It is the intent of this section
to require Provider to indemnify the County to the extent permitted under North Carolina
law. Nothing in this section is intended to affect or abrogate the County’s sovereign
immunity defenses.
j. Non-Appropriation. This Agreement is subject to the availability of funds to purchase the
specified services and may be terminated at any time if such funds become unavailable.
k. Severability. All clauses found herein shall act independently of each other. If a clause is
found to be illegal or unenforceable, it shall have no effect on the other provisions of this
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Agreement. It is understood by the parties hereto that if any part, term or provision of this
Agreement is by the Courts held to be illegal or in conflict with any laws of the State of North
Carolina or the United States, the validity of the remaining portions or provisions shall not
be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if
the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be invalid.
l. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between
the County and the Provider and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or
agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement may be amended only by written
instrument signed by both parties. Modifications may be evidenced by facsimile signatures.
m. Notices. Any notice required by this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by certified
or registered mail, return receipt requested to the following:
Orange County Provider’s Name The Town of Carrboro
Attention: Amy Eckberg Attention: Amy Armbruster
P.O. Box 8181 Address: 301 West Main Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278 Carrboro, NC 27510
Email:aeckberg@orangecountync.gov Email: aarmbruster@carrboronc.gov
n. Signatures. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may be
executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the intent of the
Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter
66.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Provider have signed this Agreement, effective on
the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the dates set forth under signatures
below.
For and on behalf of the Provider
_____________________________ _______________________
Patrice Toney, Town Manager, Town of Carrboro Date
_____________________________ _______________________
Chaz Offenburg – Chief Financial Officer, Town of Carrboro Date
For and on behalf of Orange County Government
_______________________________ ________________________
Travis Myren, County Manager Date
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ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY
______________________________________________________________________________
Finance Information
Vendor Name: Town of Carrboro Vendor Contact Person: Amy Armbruster Phone: 919-918-8541 Address: 301 W
Main St City Carrboro State: NC Zip: 27510 Department: County Manager Amount: $29,145 Purpose: Energy
Efficiency Program Budget Code(s): 61210335-803104-30052 Vendor # 595
Vendor Status with NCSOS: Vendor is a BOCC consultant: Yes No
Contract Details
Contract Type: New Amendment (Original Contract: ) (Most Recent Amendment )
Effective Date February 24, 2026 End Date February 24,2028 Notice Date (Notice Purpose )
Award
Approved by Board (Agenda Date: January 20, 2026); Made or Administered by
Signature Authority
- BOCC Express Delegation (Agenda Date: )
- Policy 9.4: Under $5,000; Service Under $90,000; Construction Under $250,000
- Budget Policy Section XV (Capital Improvement Project: )
Bidding
Informal Bidding ($30k-$90k); Formal RFP ($90k+); Other (<$30k); Exception(# )
Department Affirmation
This agreement is approved as to technical form and content and I as Department Director affirmatively state work
on this project has not been initiated prior to execution of the agreement.
Services related to this agreement have already begun or been completed. Description of the nature of the
emergency condition that was addressed:
Department Director’s Signature ________________________________________ Date: ________
Information Technologies
This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications:
Office of the Chief Information Officer___________________________________ Date: ________
Inapplicable because no hardware/software purchases or related services
Risk Management
This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements:
Office of the Risk Management Officer___________________________________ Date: _________
Financial Services
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act:
Office of the Chief Financial Officer ____________________________________ Date: _________
Legal Services
This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency:
Office of the County Attorney __________________________________________Date: ________
Clerk to the Board
All Docusign contracts must be copied to the Clerk upon completion: occlerkdocs@orangecountync.gov
The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts:
Received for record retention:
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Office of the Clerk to the Board __________________________________________Date:_________
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Exhibit A
Community Climate Action Grant Application
Board of Orange County Commissioners Agenda 1-20-26
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Exhibit B
Provider’s Revised Scope of Services and Program Budget
N/A
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EXHIBIT C
Alternative Payment Schedule
• Q1: $11,700 (40%) – Kits, giveaways, marketing, and initial teaching
stipends
• Q2: $8,750 (30%) – Remaining teacher compensation, workshops, and
first audits
• Q3: $5,800 (20%) – Energy audits
• Q4: $2,895 (10%) – Final energy audits
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ATTACHMENT “A”
Orange County Certifications – FY 2025-2026
Chief Contact, Administrators, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
I certify that I have provided a list of the chief contact, administrators, chief executive officer and chief
financial officer for my agency with this Agreement and that I will keep it current to the County of Orange.
The list should be in writing with the name, title, residential address; phone and email address and if possible,
fax number.
Officers and Board of Directors
I certify that I have provided a current list of the Officers and Board of Directors with this Agreement and
that we will continue to update the list as changes occur. The list should be in writing, with the name, physical
address, mailing address and if possible, phone, fax and email address.
Budget Submission
I certify that I have provided a budget for the period to be covered by funding Orange County, and that any
substantive changes made to this budget have been in advance authorized in writing by Orange County.
Annual Financial Review
I certify that I have provided a copy of the latest annual Financial Review for our agency and the budget
adopted by the agency for the fiscal years encompassing this Agreement. If not, please explain on a separate
sheet of paper.
Alignment with Organization’s Mission
I certify that the programs and services for which this funding is requested align with the mission of the
organization.
Intended Purpose
I certify that the funds provided to the agency under the terms of this Agreement will be used for a public
purpose and shall only be used for the purposes intended and any money not used for those purposes will be
promptly returned to Orange County.
Certified by: _______________________ Title: Town Manager Date: ___________
(Provider’s Signature)
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Orange County Sustainability Powered by Submittable
Title Carrboro Energy Effi ci ency
Program
by Laura Janway in 2026 Orange County
Community Climate Action Grant Application
sustainability@carrboronc.gov
08/15/2025
id. 51372982
Post Award - Active Vendor
Score n/a
Original Submission 08/20/2025
Score n/a
Table of Contents: Section A. Applicant Organization’s Contact Information
Section B. Collaborators and Partners Section C. Project Information
Section D. Scored Criteria You can invite additional people to complete
this form as a collaborator. Follow this link for additional information * The
owner of this application (the person who started it and added the
collaborators) is the only person who is able to submit. Once submitted,
ownership is able to be transferred to another person. Click on Invite
Collaborators. A Dialog box will appear, asking you to enter the email
addresses of your collaborators. Enter those addresses, then click Invite.
Invited collaborators will receive an email, letting them know you've invited
them to collaborate on a draft submission using Submittable. In order to
communicate with collaborators through the Submittable platform, all
invitees must accept the invite BEFORE the owner of the submission
(that's you!) hits Submit. After you've sent invitations to collaborate, you
can click on the Invite Collaborators link again anytime to see the status of
your invitations. In the row for each invitee who has not yet accepted their
invitation, you will see a Pending indication. There will also be a trash can
next to each person’s name so that the Submission Owner can remove
anyone that they no longer want to collaborate on the submission.
Section A. Applicant Organization’s Information
A1. Organization’s
Legal Name
Town of Carrboro
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A2. Physical Address 301 W Main St
Carrboro
NC
27510
US
35.9114869
-79.0776744
A3. Is your mailing
address different
than your physical
address?
No
A4. W eb Address (if
applicable)
https://www.carrboronc.gov/
A5. Preferred Phone
Number
+19199188541
A6. E-Mail aarmbruster@carrboronc.gov
A7. Tax ID Number 56-6001194
A8. W here did you
hear about this grant
opportunity?
Other
A8a. Please describe
how you heard about
this grant
opportunity.
The Town has been applying to this funding source for several years, we
first heard about it from Orange County staff.
A9. Have you applied
to this grant
opportunity before?
Yes
A9a. Did you receive
funding when you
previously applied?
Yes
Disclosure of
Potential Conflicts of
Interest and Non-
Discrimination
Clause
Are any of the Board Members or employees of the organization which will
be carrying out this project or their named project collaborators/partners or
members of their immediate families, or their business associates:
A10. Select any of
the following that
apply:
e. Not applicable / NA
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A11. NON-
DISCRIMINATION
Provider agrees as part of consideration of the granting of funds by funding
agencies to the parties hereto for themselves, their agents, officials,
employees and servants agree not to discriminate in any manner on the
basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, religion, sexual
orientation, gender identity/expression, familial status or veterans status
with reference to any activities carried out by the grantee, no matter how
remote. The parties hereto further agree in all respects to conform to the
provision and intent of Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, as amended
and the Orange County Anti-discrimination Policy. This provision is
enforced by action for specific performance, injunctive rel ef, or other
remedy as by law provided; this provision shall be binding on the grantees,
the successors and assigns of the parties hereto with reference to the
above subject manner.
To the best of my
knowledge and belief
all of the above
information is true
and current. I
acknowledge and
understand that the
existence of a
potential conflict of
interest does not
necessarily make the
program ineligible for
funding, but the
existence of an
undisclosed conflict
may result in the
termination of any
grant awarded.
checked
A12. Primary Contact
Name
Amy
Armbruster
A13. Primary Contact
Title
Chief Sustainability Officer
A14. Primary Contact
Preferred Phone
Number
+19199188541
A15. Primary Contact
Email Address
aarmbruster@carrboronc.gov
A16. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director
Patrice
Toney
A17. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director Title
Town Manager
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A18. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director Preferred
Phone Number
+19199187315
A19. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director Email
Address
ptoney@carrboronc.gov
A20. Date of
Incorporation
(Month/Year):
03/1911
A21. Applicant
Organization’s
Purpose/Mission:
(100 word limit)
Carrboro is committed to building a sustainable and inclusive community
where every resident’s voice matters. W e offer transparent governance
and deliver innovative, responsive services to enhance the well-being of
our diverse population. W e envision Carrboro leading in social equity,
environmental stewardship, and sustainable growth. Together, we cultivate
a resilient, connected community that balances progress with deep respect
for our environment and cultural heritage.
A22. Living W age:
Does this
organization pay
employees a
minimum living wage*
(A living wage is
$17.65/hr or
$16.15/hr with
employer provided
health insurance.)?
Yes
A23. Is this
organization an
Orange County
Living W age
Certified Employer*?
Yes
Schedule of Positions:
A24. Number of Full-
Time Paid Positions:
171
A25. Number of Part-
Time Paid Positions:
1
A26. Number of
Volunteers:
89
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Section B. Collaborators and Partners In some projects, collaborators and
partners provide essential capacity and connections. If collaborators or
partners are an essential part of your project, whether or not they are
receiving grant funds, please use this section to provide more details. If
you are not working with collaborators or partners, please feel free to write
N/A in this section and move to the Project Information section.
B1. Are you working
with any
collaborators or
partners on this
project?
Yes
B1a. Collaborator
Organization’s Legal
Name
Preserving Home, Inc.
B1b. Date of
Incorporation
(Month/Year)
01/1996
B1c. Collaborator
organization’s
Purpose/Mission
(100 word limit)
Preserving Home is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization and a
licensed general contractor. Our skilled staff and qualified subcontractors
make homes functional and comfortable, helping vulnerable neighbors stay
in safe, healthy homes.
B1d. Living W age:
Does this
organization pay
employees a
minimum living wage*
(A living wage is
$17.65/hr or
$16.15/hr with
employer provided
health insurance)?
Yes
B1e. Is this
organization an
Orange County
Living W age
Certified Employer*?
No
If no, please explain
why the organization
is not an Orange
County Living W age
Certified Employer?
(100 word limit)
Preserving Home is headquartered in W ake County, NC.
Schedule of Positions:
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B1f. Number of Full-
Time Paid Positions:
27
B1g. Number of Part-
Time Paid Positions:
2
B1h. Number of
Volunteers:
132
B2. Do you have
another collaborator
or partner to add?
Yes
B2a. Collaborator
Organization’s Legal
Name
Hope Renovations
B2b. Date of
Incorporation
(Month/Year)
11/2017
B2c. Collaborator
Organization’s
Purpose/Mission
(100 word limit)
Hope Renovations inspires hope in women and seniors for a joyful and
fulfilling future. They do this by empowering women to pursue living wage
jobs in the construction trades via our hands-on training program, and by
providing repairs and renovations that enable older adults to stay in their
homes as they age. Their training program serves unemployed and
underemployed women, helping them gain the skills they need to work in
the construction trades, and connecting them to employers.
B2d. Living W age:
Does this
organization pay
employees a
minimum living wage*
(A living wage is
$17.65/hr or
$16.15/hr with
employer provided
health insurance)?
Yes
B2e. Is this
organization an
Orange County
Living W age
Certified Employer*?
No
If no, please explain
why the organization
is not an Orange
County Living W age
Certified Employer?
(100 word limit)
W hile not listed as a Certified Employer, Preserving Home does pay
employees a living wage and their website has a page dedicated to the
importance of living wages: https://orangecountylivingwage.org/about/why-
living-wage/.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Schedule of Positions:
B2f. Number of Full-
Time Paid Positions:
14
B2g. Number of Part-
Time Paid Positions:
0
B2h. Number of
Volunteers:
50
Section C. Project Information
C1a. Project Name
(This will be used as
the name of your
submission; please
keep your project
name to less than 5
words. Examples:
Tree Planting, LED
Lights, Rain Garden,
Rooftop Solar)
Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program
C1b. Please
describe the
proposed project.
(300 word limit)
In Carrboro, 17% of homeowners are considered cost burdened and 22%
of renters are paying between 30%-50% of their income on rent and
utilities. Twenty-eight percent of renters are extremely cost burdened,
meaning they are spending more than 50% of their household income on
rent and utilities. In Carrboro, 59% of housing is rental property. As
temperatures rise due to climate change, the cost to heat and cool homes
will also rise. At the same time, Duke Energy customers will be hit with
double-digit rate increases in the next three years. This is a perfect storm
that will most impact those already struggling to make ends meet. This
program aims to educate and train Carrboro homeowners and renters in
easy, low-cost ways to reduce their energy bills, while also providing home
energy audits and energy kits that will identify energy efficient, all-electric
upgrades to further shrink their bills. The program targets low-to-middle-
income homeowners that may need additional assistance to take full
advantage of the Electrify the Triangle, EnergySaverNC, and Duke Energy
rebate programs and renters, who are typically left out of energy efficiency
programs. W ith this grant, we propose to reach these residents with the
highest energy burden by recruiting an innovative cohort of community
leaders, trained and resourced to engage underserved communities. Their
mission is to ensure that these residents know how to read their energy
bills and identify ways to reduce energy use. They will also connect them to
hands-on training in simple energy-saving projects and connect them to
weatherization and utility bill rebate programs and point them towards local
contractors to implement needed upgrades. This grant will ease the energy
burden of over 230 Carrboro residents, while reducing 67.41 tons of
MTCO2e annually.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
C1c. Please
describe your
project’s benefits,
including those that
are quantifiable. (150
word limit)
This program will benefit Carrboro residents by providing energy efficiency
education and training. Twenty-five households will receive an energy
audit. This will help them make informed decisions about ways to improve
the energy efficiency of their residences and the costs and benefits of
replacing older, gas equipment, with efficient, all-electric units. Residents
who take action as a result will benefit from lower energy bills. The entire
Town will benefit from reductions in emissions. Homeowners who complete
energy efficiency improvements on their homes will also increase the value
of their residences.
Staff anticipate reaching 231 households through the program, with an
estimated 115 households reducing energy use by 5%, 108 households
reducing energy use by 10%, and eight households reducing energy use by
15%. This will result in a reduction of energy use in Carrboro by 249,027
kW h and 291.28 BTI annually, resulting in a reduction of 67.41 metric tons
CO2e.
C1d. Please choose
the best description
for the type of
project*:
Clean Energy Infrastructure – Repair
C1e. W hat is the
main way that this
project helps fight
climate change?
(select one):
Energy Efficiency
C1f. Please select
the jurisdiction(s)
where your project is
focused and briefly
state how your
project aligns with
the relevant Climate
Action Plans:
Town of Carrboro/Town of Carrboro Community Climate Action Plan
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Please name the
action items from the
Carrboro Climate
Action Plan that best
align with your
proposed project.
(200 word limit)
This project supports the Town’s Community Climate Action Plan Buildings
Recommendation #1: Reduce Emissions Attributed to Carrboro Buildings
by 80% by 2030, which suggests creating energy efficiency
templates/toolkits for residents. In addition, this project supports Carrboro’s
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 Strategy 4.2 - Expand Access to
W eatherization, Energy Efficiency, and Continue W ater Conservation
Measures for All, Especially Lower-Income Residents and Small Business
Owners, in New Construction and Retrofits to Existing Buildings. It also
supports Chapter 6 Strategy 1.2: Reduce community greenhouse
emissions attributed to Carrboro buildings by 80% from 2010 levels by
2030, which discusses improving the energy efficiency of buildings to
reduce emissions related to energy use. In addition, the plan states that its
climate action and environment strategies were designed to advance race
and equity by increasing access to renewable energy, energy efficiency,
and green stormwater infrastructure by providing financial subsidies. The
plan also discusses increasing energy and water conservation in new
construction and rehabilitation to reduce costs to homeowners and renters.
C2. Do you have
another project to
add?
No
Funding Request Summary Please list all proposed projects (please list
project name only) for which you are requesting Community Climate Action
Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Make sure to include a brief
description of the proposed use of funds. Applicants will be asked to
provide more details on their proposed project budget in the Budget
W orksheets linked template.
C3. Total Funding
Request
29145
C4. Describe your
proposed use of
funds. (150 word
limit)
Funding will be used to: 1) Fund home energy audits for 25 single-family
homes and rental units. 2) Create five home energy audit kits to loan out to
residents. 3) Present two energy efficiency workshops (one for
homeowners and one for renters). Staff will hand out educational materials
and giveaway bags with energy efficiency-related items. 4) Recruit 5-10
people in communities hard hit by climate harm to be in a cohort group to
act as leaders in their neighborhoods to help reach silent voices. These
leaders would be compensated for their time. W e will train the trainer
workshops for these leaders so they could learn how to teach others to
perform simple actions to save energy. 5) W ork with an ECOStudio an
intern to help design a webpage and social media outreach for the program.
C5. If a full award for
your project is not
possible, can/will you
accept partial funding
and still be
successful?
Yes
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Please explain how
your project can still
be successful if you
don't receive the full
requested amount.
(200 word limit)
Yes, if awarded partial funding, the Town will plan to lower the number of
energy audits performed, reduce the program’s marketing budget, and
reduce the number of energy audit kits created. Staff will plan to keep the
educational components of the program, including compensating the cohort.
Section D. Scored Criteria Criterion 1 - Social Justice and Racial Equity
This criterion has a maximum score of 6 points (out of a total of 26 points).
D1. W ho will directly
or indirectly benefit
from your project?
Please be as
specific as possible
on the
characteristics of
those who will benefit
including, gender,
race, age, income
level and geographic
location. (200 word
limit)
This program will directly benefit groups of Carrboro residents in several
ways. Those who check out the energy audit kits will benefit by learning
more about their home’s energy use. The members of the cohort will benefit
from energy efficiency training. Residents who are assisted by cohort
members as well as residents who attend workshops will directly benefit by
learning basics about energy efficiency as well as low-cost strategies to
reduce the energy use of their homes. In addition, residents who receive
energy audits from the Town will benefit by identifying areas of inefficiency
in their homes and being informed of actionable recommendations for
improvement. All residents who reduce energy consumption through this
program will also benefit from lower energy bills. Homeowners who
complete energy efficiency improvements on their homes will also increase
the value of their residences. For example, the Journal of Light
Construction estimates that almost two-thirds of the cost of an HVAC
electrification conversion is recouped in increased home value. The
outreach performed by cohort members, program workshops, and energy
audits will be concentrated in Carrboro’s low-income and underserved
communities.
D2. W hat are the
demographics of the
area where your
project takes place?
(150 word limit)
Staff will concentrate outreach about the program in areas known to have a
higher percentage of underserved and low-income residents. These areas
include Census Tract 107.07, which is a federally designated Low-Income
Housing Tax Credit Qualified Census Tract. The median household income
in this census tract is $47,633, which is lower than Carrboro’s median
household income of $85,927. The minority population of the tract is 34%,
while Carrboro as a whole is 36%. Block groups 1 and 3 within this tract
were identified as potentially underserved communities by NCDEQ.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D3. Does your
project help to
address any racial
disparities in the
location it is
proposed for? (200
word limit)
Yes, by focusing on helping underserved, low-income, and rental
households reduce their energy use, this program will help address
disparities in cost burden within the Town.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), households paying over 30% of their income for housing, including
utilities, are considered “cost burdened.” In Carrboro, only 17% of all
homeowners are considered cost burdened, while more than one in five
renters (22%) are paying between 30%- 50% of their income on rent and
utilities, and 28% of renters are extremely cost burdened, meaning they are
spending more than 50% of their household income on rent and utilities.
In Carrboro, 59% of housing is rental property. There is a racial disparity in
owner-occupied and rental-occupied units:
- Owner-occupied units: Black: 6.1% W hite: 80%; Hispanic: 5.6%
- Renter-occupied units: Black 22.1%; W hite 66.1%; Hispanic: 5.5
There is also a racial disparity in households who experience severe cost
burden: 15% of white, non-Hispanic households in Carrboro experience
severe cost burden, while 19% of Hispanic households and 21% of Black
households experience severe cost burden.
D4. Please list any
data sources used in
reference to D1, D2,
and D3 and show the
steps of any
calculations. (300
word limit)
Town of Carrboro. (2020). Issues and Opportunities: Affordable Housing.
Town of Carrboro, NC.
https://townofcarrboro.org/DocumentCenter/View/12068/Carrboro-
Connects-Housing-Issues-Oppor-20201030v2?bidId=
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. (2019). NC DEQ’s
potentially underserved block groups 2019. NC DEQ GIS Data.
https://data-ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/ncdenr::nc-deqs-
potentially-underserved-block-groups-2019/explore?
location=35.913854%2C-79.073863%2C14.75
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2025, January 1).
2024 and 2025 Small DDAs and QCTs. Office of Policy Development and
Research (PD&R). https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sadda/sadda_qct.html
D4a. Optional file upload to show the steps of any calculations.
TOC-_AdditionalCollaboratorInformation.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D5. Please describe
any ways in which
low-income or
marginalized
communities/households
were engaged in the
creation of this
project proposal.
(150 word limit)
The Town’s 2022 Comprehensive Plan was built on a deep commitment to
community engagement. In its development, intentional efforts were taken
to reach out to all races, ethnicities, genders, documentation status, and
refugees through pop-up events, task force meetings, community
workshops, interviews, live social media events, townwide mailings, a
website, and recorded meeting videos.
This program will assist in operationalizing the following strategies from the
plan: Chapter 4 Strategy 4.2 - Expand Access to W eatherization, Energy
Efficiency, and W ater Conservation Measures for All, Especially Lower-
Income Residents…in New Construction and Retrofits to Existing Buildings.
And Chapter 6 Strategy 1.2: Reduce Community Greenhouse Emissions
Attributed to Carrboro Buildings by 80% from 2010 Levels by 2030. One of
the ways in which the plan’s climate action and environment strategies
were designed to advance race and equity is by increasing access to
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green stormwater infrastructure
through financial subsidies.
D6. Please describe
any potential
negative side effects
of the project and
describe the steps
you are taking/will
take to eliminate or
minimize these
impacts to any low-
income or
marginalized
communities/households.
(200 word limit)
Potential negative effects from energy audits and weatherization include
the air tightening of a home to the point where mechanical ventilation would
be required. Reducing air leakage in a home with older natural ventilation
(atmospheric venting) gas furnaces and water heaters may cause them to
back draft carbon monoxide into the home due to a change in pressure
between the inside and outside of the home, however, Energy Auditors are
trained to test appliances for carbon monoxide leakage and any conditions
that may cause back drafting. Additionally, staff plan to include carbon
monoxide monitors in the giveaway kits at workshops.
D7. Are the impacted
residents already
aware of the
potential positive and
negative impacts of
your project and the
steps you are
taking? If not, please
describe your plan to
engage with them
and how you will act
based on their input.
(200 word limit)
Many residents may not have much familiarity with the topic of energy
efficiency. Staff will ensure that members of the cohort are trained to help
others with basic topics related to a home’s energy use, such as how to
read an energy bill. Cohort members will also be trained to speak to
residents about a wide range of both positive and negative impacts of
energy efficiency and weatherization measures. Cohort members will
speak to residents in their neighborhoods in-person about these topics.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D8. During and after
the project, what will
your continued
engagement with the
impacted community
be? (200 word limit)
During the project, Town staff will work to train cohort members and offer
them support and resources for their community-focused work. Staff will
also offer the use of Town facilities for workshops if needed. After the initial
phase of the project is complete, the Town will continue to loan out the
three energy efficiency kits to Carrboro residents and the trained cohort of
community members may choose to continue working within their
communities to educate residents.
D9. Please describe
any other aspect of
your project that is
relevant to Social
Justice,
Environmental
Justice and Racial
Equity. (200 word
limit)
N/A
Criterion 2 - Emissions Reduced This criterion has a maximum score of 4
points (out of a total of 26 points). Please see the Grant Project website
for estimation tools and the Background and Information document for
information about technical assistance. Applicants are encouraged to ask
for clarification and technical assistance as early as possible and no later
than the posted deadline for questions.
D10a. Does your
project save on
electricity (solar
projects should say
"yes" to this)?
Yes
Is your project a
solar project?
No
How many kW h are saved per year? (Solar projects should provide the number of kW h produced
per year and should enter 25 for the number of years that the project will have an impact.)
Criterion 2_ kW h CO2e (3).xlsx
D10b. Does your
project save on
gasoline?
No
D10c. Does your
project save on
natural gas?
Yes
How many BTUs (British Thermal Units) are saved per year?
Criterion 2_ BTU CO2e (3).xlsx
D10d. Does your
project save on food
waste?
No
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D10e. Is your project
nature-based? (For
example, community
gardens, tree
plantings, soil health
practices, and prairie
restoration projects)
No
D10f. Does your
project reduce
emissions in some
way other than what
was listed above?
No
D11. How many
TOTAL metric tons of
greenhouse gas
emissions will your
project reduce or
avoid OVER THE
LIFETIME of the
project? [Please use
the number(s)
calculated above
(row 4 of tables), or
provide your own
estimate if those
figures were
insufficient or if you
have additional
measures to include.]
674.1
D12. W ere any
additional
calculations required
in coming up with the
number entered
above (this includes
adding two or more
numbers together)?
Yes
Please list any data
sources used and
show the steps of
your calculations.
Feel free to submit in
a separate document
if clearly labeled.
(500 word limit)
The 674.1 metric tons of CO2e was calculated by adding together the
519.7 metric tons CO2e resulting from reductions in electricity use and the
154.4 metric tons CO2e resulting from reductions in natural gas use.
Option file upload to show additional calculations.
TOC-_EmissionsReductionCalculations_updated.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D13a. How many
YEARS will this
emissions reduction
take place as a result
of your project?
Please consider the
expected lifetime of
the
technology/program/impact,
etc. Note: Solar
installations should
enter 25 years as
the project lifetime.
10
D13b. Please explain
how you came up
with the number of
years in the previous
question and add any
other relevant
information. Please
list any sources
used. (200 word limit)
Individual energy efficiency improvements performed as a result of the
program’s components will vary in the length of their impact. These
improvements could include air sealing, which can last the lifetime of a
home or weather strips on doors and windows, which last between 5-10
years. Other improvements last much longer, including blown-in attic
insulation, which has a lifespan of 20-30 years, with non-organic insulation
such as fiberglass lasting even longer. HVAC systems have an expected
lifespan of 15-25 years, varying due to maintenance, climate, usage,
installation, and proper sizing. W ater heaters have a lifespan of about 10
years or more, again influenced by maintenance, usage, and water quality.
D14. Please
describe the location
of the emissions
reduction. W here
would fossil fuels
have been burned if
not for your project?
For projects that
reduce electricity
usage or that
generate solar
energy, feel free to
state “grid-tied
electricity reduction”
if you cannot
determine the
location of emissions
produced from
electric power
generation. (200
word limit)
This project will lead to grid-tied electricity reduction.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D15. Please
describe any other
aspect of your
project that is
relevant to the
amount of emissions
that it will reduce or
avoid. (250 word
limit)
N/A
Criterion 3 - Efficient Use of Funds This criterion has a maximum score of
4 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). Please see the Grant Project website for
further guidance and the Background and Information document for
information about technical assistance. Applicants are encouraged to ask
for clarification and technical assistance as early as possible and no later
than the posted deadline for questions.
D16. Is this a new
project?
Yes
The table below is
meant to support the
calculations of your
project's impact;
however, it may not
capture all aspects of
a project.
If the table is not able to capture the correct numbers for your project,
please enter "N/A" in those specific fields and upload an additional
document with this information.
Project Impact (do not enter a $ in front of the numbers)
Criterion 3 - Project Impact (New) (7).xlsx
Optional file upload
for project impact
calculations.
D17. Are there
additional impacts?
No
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D18. Please
describe any avoided
financial costs or
savings related to
the project and over
what period of time
those costs will be
avoided/reduced.
(250 word limit)
The average household in Carrboro uses 14,030 kW h of energy and 164
therms of natural gas per year. Given the current residential energy rate of
$0.14/kW h (Find Energy, 2025) and the current residential gas rates of
$1.17103/therm in winter and $1.08782/therm in summer (Enbridge Gas,
2025), the average household in Carrboro spends an estimated $1,964.20
per year on electricity and $305.23 on gas.
This will result in a reduction of energy use in Carrboro by 249,027 kW h
and 291.28 BTU annually
249,027 kW h * $0.14/kW h = $34,863.78
2912.776 Therms
1456.388 therms *$1.17103 = $1,705.47
1456.388 therms *$1.08782 = $1,584.28
Total Cost Reduction: $38,153.53/246 households = annual savings of
$155.10 per household
D19. Does your
project accelerate or
expand on existing
programs that
already show
positive impact?
(150 word limit)
Yes, staff will build from lessons learned through Carrboro’s 2010 W ise
Investments Save Energy (W ISE) Program. The W ISE program was
successful in driving energy efficiency projects for 113 single family and
multifamily units through financial incentives and providing five small
commercial loans for projects in three separate commercial buildings. The
projects are estimated to have resulted in an average of 21% or more in
energy savings per project and almost $40,000 in total energy bill savings.
Furthermore, a similar study done at NCSU yielded promising results.
Following a workshop on saving energy, citizens were given a free grab
bag containing two energy efficient lightbulbs and a low-flow shower head.
A survey revealed that 94% of participants installed their lightbulbs, and
66% had installed their showerhead (Kirby et al., 2015). These installations
were responsible for an estimated greenhouse gas reduction of 1,817.25
metric tons.
D20. Does your
project take
advantage of other
funding sources? If
yes, please describe.
(150 word limit)
Yes, this year Town staff are working to redesign and revitalize the Town's
existing Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. This fund was created in
2010 through a grant made possible by the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. Currently, the Town has $205,227 in funding available
for Town residents through this program. In addition, staff can utilize
existing FY25-26 funding for general sustainability outreach for this project
as well.
D21. W ould your
proposed project help
you to take
advantage of funding
from other sources
besides this grant in
the future? (250 word
limit)
Yes, this project will result in a cohort of trained community members who
will act as leaders in their neighborhoods. The Town can continue to foster
relationships with these residents if they have an interest in continuing their
work with additional grant funding. This grant will also help neighborhoods
build capacity and connections to pursue additional grant funding through
the Town’s Green Neighborhoods Grant Program. Energy audits will help
residents take steps to perform energy efficiency improvements on their
homes and receive rebates through the upcoming HOMES/HEAR
(EnergySaver NC) program.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D22. Please
describe any other
aspect of your
project that is
relevant to the
efficient use of grant
funds. (150 word
limit)
These funds will complement funds from upcoming programs such as the
HOMES/HEAR (EnergySaver NC) program, which offers energy efficiency
rebates, and will begin in Orange County this January. In early 2026, the
new Electrify the Triangle Program will launch to help local community
members take advantage of federal incentive funding and bulk pricing for
things like energy efficiency, solar, electric appliances, electric lawn
equipment, micromobility, and EV charging.
Criterion 4 - Capacity of Applicant This criterion has a maximum score of 3
pts (out of a total of 26 pts).
D23. Has your
organization
completed projects of
this type in the past?
Yes
If so, what funds
were used? (100
word limit)
Carrboro and Chapel Hill received American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act funds to pursue community scale improvements in building energy
efficiency in 2010. Carrboro received an initial allocation of $75,000, and
chose to focus on initiating an Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund
(EERLF) for small businesses. Carrboro received three additional
allocations totaling $236,000, and used these subsequent allocations to
pursue: 1) single and multifamily residential initiatives focusing on “deep”
(at least 15% improvement in energy efficiency) residential retrofits; 2) a
residential outreach and education program, with support from Clean
Energy Durham; and 3) additional commercial projects using the EERLF
program.
D24. Have you
completed similar
projects in the past
and successfully met
the proposed
budgets and
timelines?
Yes
Please provide a
description of similar
past achievements
or projects and
evidence of
successfully meeting
proposed budgets
and timetables. (150
word limit)
The 2010 Carrboro W ise Investments Save Energy (W ISE) program
targeted small commercial buildings through a revolving loan fund. Carrboro
also created a single family and multifamily residential pilot program which
offered incentives for projects that met an estimated 15% energy savings.
The program also included contractor management and training utilizing
Home Performance with Energy Star standards. The W ISE program was
successful in driving energy efficiency projects for 113 single family and
multifamily units and providing 5 small commercial loans for projects in 3
separate commercial buildings. The projects are estimated to have resulted
in an average of 21% or more in energy savings per project and almost
$40,000 in total energy bill savings.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D25. If you are
proposing to
collaborate with other
organizations on this
project, please
describe their
relevant experience
to the project and/or
the target population.
(150 word limit)
Preserving Home, Inc. manages home preservation programs in
collaboration with local governments, housing agencies, and community
investors. They repair homes for low-and-moderate-income homeowners
through several local government programs, including Carrboro’s
W eatherization Program and its Affordable Housing Funding Program.
Hope Renovations performs repairs, modifications, and renovations for
seniors and those living with disabilities so that they can stay safe and
independent in their homes.
The NC League of Conservation Voters Foundation is a partner in Energy
for All. W orking in partnership with groups across the state, they analyze
environmental policies and advocate for equitable, sustainable
implementation.
D26. Have your
collaborators/partners
completed projects of
this type in the past?
Yes
If so, what funds
were used? (100
word limit)
Preserving Home assists low-to-moderate income homeowners and
performs home repairs using funding from local governments, housing
agencies, and community investors. They manage programs using funding
from local weatherization programs and affordable housing funding
programs from twelve municipalities in the triangle area, including the
Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and Orange County.
D27. Please
describe any other
relevant expertise or
capacity to carry out
the project in your
application. (250
word limit)
In 2025, the Town created a new position in the Manager’s Office, a
Climate and Energy Program Manager. The staff member hired for this
position is a certified RESNET HERS Rater. He has worked on several
projects with Duke Energy performing energy audits on manufactured and
stick-built homes. He teaches Building Science and Energy Use Analysis at
Central Carolina Community College through their Building Construction
Technology program. In a previous role at Advanced Energy, he was
involved with their “Ask the Expert” program, where residents across the
state could call or email with questions related to energy efficiency, utility
bills, and new and existing construction.
D28. Please
describe any prior
challenges you have
encountered in past
grants and how you
have worked through
them. How may this
impact this proposed
project? (150 word
limit)
Due to building construction delays in the Drakeford Library Complex,
implementation of a previous Orange County climate action grant to add
rooftop solar and sustainability signage to this building was delayed. Solar
panels were installed on 8/8/2025 and interconnection with the utility is
expected to be completed in the next month. Sustainability signage has
been designed and ordered. In addition, the Town has increased its
capacity for grant management by hiring a Grants Manager position to
assist the Town with grant administration.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D29. Please
describe one to three
key partnerships/
collaborations that
add the most value to
the success of the
proposed project.
(250 word limit)
Preserving Home, Inc and Hope Renovations perform home repairs and
can provide guidance to staff for many aspects of this program. In
discussions with our partners, they identified that energy audits are a
substantial barrier for many residents who want to move forward with
energy efficiency upgrades or retrofits on their homes. This program will
have a substantial return on investment by targeting and eliminating this
barrier and helping to familiarize residents with options for reducing energy
use in their homes.
D30. If this project is
not selected for
funding in this round,
what other funding
might be used to
support it within the
next 5 years?
Other grants, capital or operational funds
Criterion 5 - Local Economic Development This criterion has a maximum
score of 3 points (out of a total of 26 points).
D31. How many
Orange County
residents are
employed by your
organization?
169 Orange County residents are employed by the Town of Carrboro.
D32. W hat project
materials will be
purchased from
sources within
Orange County or
North Carolina?
W hat percent of the
total materials do
these represent?
(200 word limit)
Members of the cohort will be Carrboro residents, and the energy audits
will be performed by a company local to the triangle area. In addition,
marketing funding will be spent locally within Orange County. These items
represent 76% of the project budget. Other items, such as the equipment
for the energy audit kits, will be sourced locally if possible.
D33. Please
describe any other
aspect of your
project that is
relevant to local
economic
development. (100
word limit)
As part of the program, cohort members and Carrboro staff and intern will
help connect residents to resources and help point them towards local
certified Electrify the Triangle and EnergySaversNC contractors to install
upgrades identified in energy audits or at workshops.
Criterion 6 - Amount and Duration of Engagement This criterion has a
maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 pts).
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D34. Please
describe the target
population to benefit
from the project. (200
word limit)
Staff plan to target outreach to lower-income and underserved
communities, as well as renters.
D35a. How many
people will benefit
from your project in
one year? (This is
the same number
from row 8 in the
D16 table above)
611
D35b. Please
describe how you
arrived at this
number. (200 word
limit)
Staff expect the program to directly benefit 246 households. Staff
estimated this number by estimating that each energy audit kit would be
checked out ten times annually - used by 30 households to find information
related to their home’s energy use. In addition, we expect the 10 members
of the training cohort to personally work with 10 households in their
neighborhoods. W e will also ask each cohort member to host one
workshop, and hope that these 10 workshops would reach at least 10
additional households each. The energy audits will benefit 25 households.
W ith a total of 255 households with an average of 2.24 people per
household, this project will reach approximately 571 people. In addition, the
10 cohort members and 30 college students will receive training from the
Town, bringing the total amount of people benefitting from the project to
611.
D36. Please
describe how you will
engage with and/or
educate project
participants and/or
the community. (250
word limit)
Staff will engage with underserved and low-income populations before the
program’s launch by utilizing multiple methods of communication, including
digital (online postings, emails), paper (flyers, mailings), and by reaching
out to local community organizations. The Town’s Communications
Department holds Carrboro In Motion events throughout the year at
multifamily housing, and staff will utilize these events for outreach. The
Town has also installed Town Information Centers (TICs) throughout Town
in underserved communities and staff will utilize these to post program
information as well.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D37. How will you
measure the success
of that engagement
or educational effort?
(200 word limit)
Staff will follow-up with all residents who receive energy audits through the
program. As a prerequisite for receiving the audit, residents must agree to
provide the Town with twelve months of energy bills after the audit so staff
can analyze the impact that of any energy efficiency measures resulting
from the audit.
In addition, The Town tracks the number of participants in each of its
engagement events. In addition, for the past three years, Planning
Department staff have worked to develop demographic survey boards
which are utilized at outreach events. The survey boards allow participants
the opportunity to voluntarily place stickers to indicate their demographic
information. This allows the Town to collect data and analyze who is and
who is not attending our events. Staff intend to continue use of these
boards at outreach events in the future where energy efficiency education
will be provided.
D38. Is there
anything else you
would like to add
about the benefits of
your project, how
much community
engagement and/or
education it will
create, or how long it
will last? (150 word
limit)
Central Carolina Community College’s Building Construction Technology
program will have students shadowing energy auditors and energy
efficiency contractors. This energy efficiency program will work
cooperatively with CCCC’s work-based learning program for the completion
of the AAS degree in Building Construction Technology.
Criterion 7 - Time to Complete This criterion has a maximum score of 3
points (out of a total of 26 points).
D39. How long will it
take your project to
complete and
demonstrate the
positive impacts you
describe? (200 word
limit)
The Town has the capacity to begin working on the project quickly if
funded. Purchasing energy audit kit equipment will take approximately two
weeks. Recruiting the resident cohort will take approximately two months.
Afterwards, the cohort members will undergo up to 10 hours of training with
Town staff and then work in the community for six to eight months. During
these six to eight months, the energy audits will be completed as well. In
total, most project work will be completed within ten months of program
launch. Staff will follow-up with those who receive energy audits to collect
twelve months of energy bills in order to assess impacts of any energy
efficiency upgrades completed after the audits.
Section 5. Attachments
D40. Applicant
Organization’s
Budget
Please complete your organization budget using the template that can be
found here. Please submit the budget in PDF form.
Applicant Organization’s Budget File Upload
Organization_Annual_Budget_-_TOC.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D41. Applicant
Project Budget
Please complete your project budget using the template that can be found
here. Please submit the budget in PDF form.
Applicant Project Budget File Upload
Project_Budget_-_Energy_Efficiency_Program.pdf
D42. IRS Federal
Form 990 or 2024
Tax Returns
A copy of the applicant organization’s most recent IRS Form 990 or IRS
Tax Return is required to determine eligibility. The specific form depends
upon the applicant organization’s financial activity. Review the IRS guide
for more details. For Form 990-N (e-postcard) filers, include a copy of the
postcard, with the organization’s application materials. �� Redact/black
out all sensitive information such as social security numbers, personal
home addresses, and personal phone numbers from all individuals before
uploading these documents.
IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns File Upload
Form_990-T_TOC.pdf
D42a. IRS Federal
Form 990 or 2024
Tax Returns for
collaborator/partner
(if they are receiving
project funds)
A copy of the collaborator/partner’s most recent IRS Form 990 or IRS Tax
Return is required to determine eligibility. The specific form depends upon
the organization’s financial activity. Review the IRS guide for more details.
For Form 990-N (e-postcard) filers, include a copy of the postcard, with the
organization’s application materials. Redact/black out all sensitive
information such as social security numbers before uploading these
documents.
IRS Federal Form
990 or 2024 Tax
Returns for
collaborator/partner
File Upload
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
D43. If awarded, a
Certificate of Liability
Insurance (COI) will
be required of the
organization.
Organizations that
have not already
provided an EFT and
W -9 to Orange
County will need to
do so.
Certificate of Liability Insurance A copy of the applicant organization’s
current certificate, from the organization’s insurance carrier. Table 1 below
outlines insurance types and minimums required, for each jurisdiction. If
exempt from W orker’s Compensation compliance, include a statement
explaining why, with the applicant organization’s application materials. The
copy of the applicant organization’s current certificate must include all
information in the highlighted sections and be worded exactly as presented
in the example linked here. NOTE: Proof of insurance is not required at the
time of application submission. If your agency is approved for funding,
documentation of insurance must be provided to the jurisdiction awarding
the funding when the contract is awarded. The insurance certificate should
reflect the funding jurisdiction as an additional insured party and certificate
holder and provide coverage for the duration of the funding period (two
years, beginning as early as October 1, 2024). If proof of insurance can
only be written for one year, an update will be required for all ongoing
projects. Renewal certificates must be sent to the jurisdiction 30 days prior
to any expiration date, cancellation or modification of any stipulated
insurance coverage. NOTE: Upon request, insurance requirements may be
reviewed on a case by case basis by the County. Please contact the staff
identified on the Submission Requirements on Page 12 if you have
questions or would like to request a review of your insurance requirements.
The table below includes guidance regarding the forms of liability insurance and minimum policy
amounts that are required if a grant is awarded.
Table 1. Forms of Liability Insurance and Minimum Policy Amounts Required (1).xlsx
I understand that if
awarded, my
organization will have
to submit a
Certificate of Liability
Insurance (COI). A
W -9 and an EFT
(Electronic Funds
Transfer) are also
required if applicable.
checked
D44. List of Board of Directors (if applicable)
Board of Directors.xlsx
W e welcome your
thoughts on how to
improve our
application! Please
add those thoughts
below.
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
You are about to
submit your
application.
Orange County Sustainability will not accept any applications after the due
date. Correcting mistakes or making edits after your application has been
submitted is not allowed. For any technical questions about the platform,
please visit THIS W EBSITE. To complete and submit your application click
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Internal Form
Score n/a
Internal Review - GHG Data
Are the numbers in
D16 (row 8) and
D35a the same?
Yes
Project Impact
Lifetime (years)
10
Project Impact
Lifetime (years)
Comments
GHG Reduction
(Annual, metric tons
CO2e)
67.4
GHG Reduction
(Annual, metric tons
CO2e) Comments
GHG Reduction
(Lifetime, metric tons
CO2e)
674
GHG Reduction
(Lifetime, metric tons
CO2e) Comments
# of people served in
one year
611
# of people served in
one year comments
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
GHG Data Complete checked
GHG Data
Comments
Other Staff
Comments
BOCC & CFE Review Data and Notes
Overall Comments
from HRC (BOCC
Report)
This project includes targeting underserved and low-income residents and
informing them of energy consumption, developing community organizers
and community education
Concerns:
The applicant talks about targeting a specific census tract, which is good,
but the program as a whole can be for anyone. One thing that would be
good to add is a certain percent going to that specific area.
There is intention here to reach those community members to reduce
usage. It doesn't sound like it is derived by community request, so there
may be issues with adoption by the community and while the kits seem
helpful and it could end up not actually benefitting the intended
communities. is there a high demand for these kits from communities of
color or low resource now? Is this a project in search of a need?
This doesn't really address the actual modifications to the house that might
be necessary in response to these audits. Is there a pathway to solutions,
especially if we are talking community members with limited resources.
Recommended
Application
checked
CFE Recommended
Funding (enter $0 if
not recommending)
29145
Application Ranking 4
Overall Comments
from CFE Meeting
(BOCC Report)
Carefully thought out project with good metrics to measure success.
Applicant is well suited to carry out the project and the costs are relatively
modest. Community outreach and partnerships are positive features.
Education and monitoring are part of lowering energy cost/uses. Simple
concept that targets low and middle income residents. Short turnaround
time (6 months-year).
Notes for Applicant
Contracting
Award Amount
(Format as follows:
$XX,XXX.XX)
$29,145.00
Does this applicant
have a W 9 and EFT
in the system?
Yes
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Correctly Submitted
Contracting
Documents:
Contracting Status
Vendor Number
Grant Project Implementation
GHG Reduction
(Annual, metric tons
CO2e) / GHG
Reduction (Lifetime,
metric tons CO2e)
have adjusted.
unchecked
Post Award Status
Comments
Award Tracker Notes
Grant Project Completion
Payment Complete.unchecked
Final Reported GHG
Reduction (Lifetime,
metric tons CO2e)
Final Reported GHG
Reduction (Lifetime,
metric tons CO2e)
Comments
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Applicant Organization's Budget
Actual Total for
Previous Year
Estimated Total
for Current Year
Projected Total
for Next Year
Percent
Change
-$ -$ -$ 0
28,568,279$ 32,771,990$ 32,771,990$ 0%
487,816$ 0
17,545$ 13,716$ 13,716$ 0%
135,058$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
8,209,590$ 1,858,271$ 1,858,271$ 0.00%
37,418,288$ 34,643,977$ 34,643,977$ 0%
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
31,360,871$ 36,667,133$ 36,667,133$ 0%
31,360,871$ 36,667,133$ 36,667,133$ 0%
6,057,417$ (2,023,156)$ (2,023,156)$ 0%
Total Agency Expenses
All Expenditures
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:
(Most recent complete calendar year or fiscal year)
ORGANIZATION REVENUE
Ending Date: FY25-26Starting date: FY24-25
Hazard Mitigation Grant
Article 46
Orange County Criminal Justice
AGENCY EXPENSES
Total Organization Revenue
Other Revenue:
Travel & Training
Other Expenses: please briefly explain here
ORGANIZATION NAME: Town of Carrboro
Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund, Emergency Loans
Affordable Housing, Powell Bill, ARRA, Revolving Loan Fund
Compensation
Rent & Utilities
Supplies & Equipment
Other Government Grants:
Local Government
State Government
Federal Government (CDBG/HOME/etc.)
Private Foundation Grants
Private Donations
Generated Revenue (fees, sales, etc)
Local Government Grants (Please list individually):
FY 2018-19 Agency Budget
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Use for all projects
PROJECT REVENUE
Actual Total for
Previous Year
Estimated Total
for Current Year
Projected Total
for Next Year
Percent
Change
Private Donations -$ -$ -$ 0
Project Generated Revenue:-$ -$ -$ 0
Local Government Grants
(Please list individually):
Orange County Community Climate Action Grant -$ -$ 29,145$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
Other Government Grants
Local Government -$ -$ -$ 0
State Government -$ -$ -$ 0
Federal Government (CDBG/HOME/etc.)-$ -$ -$ 0
Private Foundation Grants -$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
Total Project Revenue -$ -$ 29,145$ 0
PROJECT EXPENSES
Compensation for Teaching Cohort -$ -$ 5,648$ 0
Energy Audit Kits -$ -$ 1,347$ 0
Home Energy Audits -$ -$ 15,000$ 0
Marketing -$ -$ 1,500$ 0
Giveaways -$ -$ 5,650$ 0
Total Project Expenses -$ -$ 29,145$ 0
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:-$ -$ -$ 0
Project Budget
Other Revenue: please briefly explain here
PROJECT NAME: Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program
Use only if project is ongoing
FY 2018-19 Program Budget
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:January 20, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No.6-a
SUBJECT: Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) –FY 2025-26 Project Selection
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. CCAG 2025-26 Project
Descriptions, Scoring and
Comments
2. CCAG Project Status Summary
Including Estimated GHG
Reductions
3. PowerPoint Presentation
4.
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Amy Eckberg; (919) 245-2626
PURPOSE:
1. To receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Commission for the
Environment (CFE) and the overall scores and comments from the CFE and Human
Relations Commission (HRC) for the FY 2025-26 Orange County Community Climate
Action Grant Program; and
2. Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY
2025-26 as outlined in the table below and further described in Attachment 1.
BACKGROUND: As part of the FY 2019-20 budget, the Orange County Board of Commissioners
(BOCC) established the Orange County Community Climate Action Fund to accelerate climate
mitigation efforts. The Fund supports the Board’s commitment to ambitious targets, including a
transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. The Climate Action Plan further builds on this
commitment by defining additional targets and identifying the actions and strategies needed to
achieve them.
For the FY 2025-26 funding cycle, $267,750 was allocated to general applicants to support climate
action projects designed to benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially. The
Board did not approve any climate funding for schools this year. In alignment with BOCC direction,
the selection process for awarding funds was conducted through the Community Climate Action
Grant program.
Sixteen (16) applications were received this year from applicants representing nonprofits, small
businesses and public organizations whose total requests add up to $619,095. Grant applications
were completed over the summer and reviewed by both the Commission for the Environment
(CFE) and the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in fall 2025.
The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and
recommendations for funding. More details on each project are available in Attachment 1.
1Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Rank Applicant
Name Project Name Project Summary Amount
Requested
Recommended
Funding
Total
Score
(out of
26)
1 Table
Ministries, Inc.
Twin Creeks
Farm Expansion
A partnership between
Wildflower Lane Farm and
Table to use unused land at
an undeveloped Orange
County Park (Twin Creeks) to
increase locally sourced,
nutritious food to feed children
served by Table.
$50,000 $30,000 21.57
2
Urban
Sustainability
Solutions, Inc.
High-School
Students
Installing Riparian
Buffers
Installation of sustainable
stormwater management
measures in historically
underserved communities
utilizing public HS teachers
and students in a certified
green infrastructure training
program to implement these
measures, especially in areas
affected by tropical storm
Chantal.
$52,000 $38,000 21.35
3
Habitat for
Humanity of
Orange County,
NC
Weatherization &
Disaster Resilient
Housing
Weatherization repairs for 11
homes $150,000 $0 20.56
4 Town of
Carrboro
Carrboro Energy
Efficiency
Program
This initiative reduces energy
burdens in Carrboro by
providing residents with
education, home energy
audits, energy-saving kits, and
guided access to rebates and
electrification upgrades
through trained community
leaders, resulting in lower bills
for over 230 households.
$29,145 $29,145 20.31
5 Trees for the
Triangle
Tree Planting and
Education
The project will plant 200
trees, distribute 2,000
seedlings, and offer
workshops on climate-resilient
tree care to expand the native
tree canopy in low-equity,
climate-vulnerable
neighborhoods through a Pay-
What-You-Can planting
program.
$50,000 $30,000 20.10
6 Red Hawk
Farm, LLC
Renewable
Energy
Infrastructure for
the Future of
Farms
52-acre organic farm
supplying high-quality produce
year-round using soil-based
greenhouse production and
technical growing strategies
seeks funds to transition from
fossil-fuel dependence to
renewable energy systems by
replacing single phase with 3-
phase power to enable solar
installation.
$30,000 $30,000 19.74
7
Upstream
Works — on
behalf of
Carolina
Community
Compost
Carolina
Community
Compost
Supplies, services, outreach
materials and labor to expand
a compost program into 7 new
neighborhoods and 1 church
$30,478 $21,300 19.70
2Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Rank Applicant
Name Project Name Project Summary Amount
Requested
Recommended
Funding
Total
Score
(out of
26)
8
Weaver
Community
Housing
Association
Energy Efficient
Windows
Installation
Replacement of windows in 7
residential units with energy
efficient models
$61,352 $61,305 18.64
9
Hillsborough
Community
Garden
Solar powered
community
garden irrigation
Solar-powered well on nearby
church property to provide
sustainable, cost-effective
irrigation that remains
functional during drought or
emergencies
$18,000 $0 18.27
10 Solar Equity
Inc.
St. Joseph's CME
Church Solar
Project
Installation of a 23.4kW solar
array on the roof of St.
Joseph’s CME Church,
located in Chapel Hill’s
Northside Neighborhood
$28,000 $28,000 17.83
11 Pee Wee
Homes
Native focused
landscaping for
10 dignified and
affordable tiny
homes
Native, climate-resilient
landscaping for 10 affordable
tiny homes of formerly
homeless residents
$4,000 $0 17.68
12 Town of Chapel
Hill
Extension of E-
Bike Lending
Library Program
Extension of a previously
successful E-bike program for
an additional 8-12 months to
offer E-bike experiences to
more residents and staff.
$25,920 $0 16.58
13 Town of
Carrboro
E-Bike Voucher
and Education
Program
Pilot program to provide 20
income-eligible residents with
vouchers for free e-bikes,
reducing transportation
insecurity and emissions.
$33,400 $0 16.09
14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for
The Arts Center
Installation of highly efficient
interior cellular shades on
windows to boost the energy
performance of the building
$21,800 $0 15.73
15
Carolina
Advocates for
Climate, Health,
and Equity
Climate-informed
Prenatal Care
Introductory climate health
education sessions for health
professionals to reduce
climate-related pregnancy
risks, with a focus on extreme
heat.
$10,000 $0 15.29
16 Bluestem
Community NC
Rooftop Solar
Installation for
Bluestem
Community NC
Installation of a 9.628 kW
solar array with battery
backup on a new barn
extension to move toward net-
zero energy use
$25,000 $0 14.67
Total $619,095 $267,750
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The $267,750 funding for Community Climate Action Grants for FY 2025-
26 is designed to identify and support impactful projects, with a focus on accelerating meaningful
action on the urgent issue of climate change.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION
OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate
Action Plan.
OBJECTIVE 3. Improve educational opportunities for County staff and community
members on climate action and available resources to advance climate action projects.
GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
3Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1. Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Commission for the
Environment for the FY 2025-26 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant
program; and
2. Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY
2025-26.
4Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919)245‐2625
Attachment 1
Date: January 20, 2026
To: Board of Orange County Commissioners
From: Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager
RE: Orange County Community Climate Action Grant – Project Descriptions, Scoring, and Comments for
General Applicants
For the 2025‐26 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $267,750 was
budgeted to support climate action projects that benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially.
In response to feedback from the Board in previous years, the Sustainability team continues its outreach efforts to
publicize the grant opportunity to broaden the applicant pool and increase community awareness of this impactful
climate action program. Staff conducted targeted outreach to local businesses, community groups, and nonprofits
through email campaigns, social media, newsletters, and other promotional media. Our applicant pool continues to
grow and diversify every year as a result of these efforts. The Community Climate Action grant program received a
total of 16 applications in this round whose total requests added up to $619,095.
Following the scoring and eligibility guidelines established by the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC), the
applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations
Commission (HRC). The BOCC asked the Human Relations Commission to score the applications on the Social Justice
and Racial Equity criterion, as this pertains to their expertise and because the racial representation of the CFE as a
whole does not reflect the racial diversity of Orange County.
The following is a rank‐order summary table of the combined project scoring and funding recommendations. A full
table showing the scores for each project on each of the 7 scoring elements is included in the Appendix.
Rank Applicant
Name Project Name Project Summary Amount
Requested
Recommended
Funding
Total
Score
(out of
26)
1 Table
Ministries, Inc.
Twin Creeks
Farm Expansion
A partnership between
Wildflower Lane Farm and
Table to use unused land at
an undeveloped Orange
County Park (Twin Creeks) to
increase locally sourced,
nutritious food to feed children
served by Table.
$50,000 $30,000 21.57
2
Urban
Sustainability
Solutions, Inc.
High-School
Students
Installing Riparian
Buffers
Installation of sustainable
stormwater management
measures in historically
underserved communities
utilizing public HS teachers
and students in a certified
green infrastructure training
program to implement these
measures, especially in areas
affected by tropical storm
Chantal.
$52,000 $38,000 21.35
5Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Rank Applicant
Name Project Name Project Summary Amount
Requested
Recommended
Funding
Total
Score
(out of
26)
3
Habitat for
Humanity of
Orange County,
NC
Weatherization &
Disaster Resilient
Housing
Weatherization repairs for 11
homes $150,000 $0 20.56
4 Town of
Carrboro
Carrboro Energy
Efficiency
Program
This initiative reduces energy
burdens in Carrboro by
providing residents with
education, home energy
audits, energy-saving kits, and
guided access to rebates and
electrification upgrades
through trained community
leaders, resulting in lower bills
for over 230 households.
$29,145 $29,145 20.31
5 Trees for the
Triangle
Tree Planting and
Education
The project will plant 200
trees, distribute 2,000
seedlings, and offer
workshops on climate-resilient
tree care to expand the native
tree canopy in low-equity,
climate-vulnerable
neighborhoods through a Pay-
What-You-Can planting
program.
$50,000 $30,000 20.10
6 Red Hawk
Farm, LLC
Renewable
Energy
Infrastructure for
the Future of
Farms
52-acre organic farm
supplying high-quality produce
year-round using soil-based
greenhouse production and
technical growing strategies
seeks funds to transition from
fossil-fuel dependence to
renewable energy systems by
replacing single phase with 3-
phase power to enable solar
installation.
$30,000 $30,000 19.74
7
Upstream
Works — on
behalf of
Carolina
Community
Compost
Carolina
Community
Compost
Supplies, services, outreach
materials and labor to expand
a compost program into 7 new
neighborhoods and 1 church
$30,478 $21,300 19.70
8
Weaver
Community
Housing
Association
Energy Efficient
Windows
Installation
Replacement of windows in 7
residential units with energy
efficient models
$61,352 $61,305 18.64
9
Hillsborough
Community
Garden
Solar powered
community
garden irrigation
Solar-powered well on nearby
church property to provide
sustainable, cost-effective
irrigation that remains
functional during drought or
emergencies
$18,000 $0 18.27
10 Solar Equity
Inc.
St. Joseph's CME
Church Solar
Project
Installation of a 23.4kW solar
array on the roof of St.
Joseph’s CME Church,
located in Chapel Hill’s
Northside Neighborhood
$28,000 $28,000 17.83
11 Pee Wee
Homes
Native focused
landscaping for
10 dignified and
affordable tiny
homes
Native, climate-resilient
landscaping for 10 affordable
tiny homes of formerly
homeless residents
$4,000 $0 17.68
12 Town of Chapel
Hill
Extension of E-
Bike Lending
Library Program
Extension of a previously
successful E-bike program for
an additional 8-12 months to
offer E-bike experiences to
more residents and staff.
$25,920 $0 16.58
6Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Rank Applicant
Name Project Name Project Summary Amount
Requested
Recommended
Funding
Total
Score
(out of
26)
13 Town of
Carrboro
E-Bike Voucher
and Education
Program
Pilot program to provide 20
income-eligible residents with
vouchers for free e-bikes,
reducing transportation
insecurity and emissions.
$33,400 $0 16.09
14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for
The Arts Center
Installation of highly efficient
interior cellular shades on
windows to boost the energy
performance of the building
$21,800 $0 15.73
15
Carolina
Advocates for
Climate, Health,
and Equity
Climate-informed
Prenatal Care
Introductory climate health
education sessions for health
professionals to reduce
climate-related pregnancy
risks, with a focus on extreme
heat.
$10,000 $0 15.29
16 Bluestem
Community NC
Rooftop Solar
Installation for
Bluestem
Community NC
Installation of a 9.628 kW
solar array with battery
backup on a new barn
extension to move toward net-
zero energy use
$25,000 $0 14.67
Total $619,095 $267,750
Below is a set of expanded details for each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring. The quoted text
was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications. Also summarized below are the comments
from the HRC and the CFE, along with scores and funding recommendations.
#1 Ranked Project – Table Ministries, Inc – Twin Creeks Farm Expansion
Applicant (Collaborators): Wildflower Lane Farm
Funding Requested: $50,000
Recommended Funding Level: $30,000
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.57
Project Description: A partnership with Wildflower Land Farm at Twin Creeks, an undeveloped Orange County Park.
The expansion funding sought will cover labor. TABLE provides weekly nutritious food to 1,125 children and plans to
expand service using organic produce grown through supplies, tools and equipment. The Twin Creeks partnership will
supply produce at a fraction of retail cost, enabling TABLE to feed more children and support local farmers.
Project Benefits: Increasing local sourcing at Twin Creeks will provide children with fresher, healthier produce while
strengthening revenue for small farmers. Reducing food miles from thousands to just five significantly lowers
emissions and environmental impacts. The project also promotes a sustainable, pesticide‐free food system that
improves long‐term health and climate outcomes. The project reduces food miles and waste, improves soil health,
supports pollinators, and reduces runoff—strengthening local climate and air quality.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE strongly supports this project but provided partial funding since the group has access
to other funding sources. HRC scored them #1. There is a high Orange County economic impact (for families who
receive food; all food grown locally) and social justice component.
#2 Ranked Project – Urban Sustainability Solutions – High‐School Students Installing Riparian
Buffers
Applicant (Collaborators): Burt’s Bees, Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality (NC DEQ)
Funding Requested: $52,000
Recommended Funding Level: $38,000
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.35
7Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Project Description: Urban Sustainability Solutions will train teachers and youth in certified green‐infrastructure
curricula through afterschool and weekend programs. The program will end with planting projects to restore storm‐
damaged riparian buffers, with funds covering training stipends and implementation. Field work will include stream
cleanup, buffer restoration, and planting live tree stakes to stabilize stream banks, especially those damaged by
tropical storm Chantal.
Project Benefits: Restoring low‐lying areas with native vegetation will reduce erosion, stabilize soils, and protect
downstream low‐income communities from future storm impacts. These plantings will improve water quality in Bolin
Creek by filtering pollutants, increasing biodiversity, and boosting carbon sequestration. The project also safeguards
Jordan Lake’s drinking water by preventing sediment and nutrient contamination.
Reviewer Comments:
The CFE supports this request because it has strong educational and community connections. USS has a solid, proven
track record. The HRC appreciated that the community would be involved in this project. The CFE deducted $14,000
that was for the administration of other grants.
#3 Ranked Project – Habitat for Humanity – Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing
Applicant (Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $150,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.56
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County will expand its Home Repair program to address
increased weatherization needs caused by Tropical Storm Chantal, in 11 older, vulnerable homes.
Project Benefits: Integrating weatherization into essential home repairs will lower utility bills for low‐income
households and reduce approximately 11 metric tons of emissions annually. Improved insulation, HVAC systems, and
windows will enhance indoor air quality, comfort, and resilience to extreme weather. Local contractors and materials
will support the regional economy while extending the lifespan of affordable housing.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE recognizes and values the proposed project and Habitat’s longstanding contributions to the
community. The CFE also noted that Habitat has access to a variety of funding sources and has previously received support
through this program ($300k). Given the limited funds available, the CFE is thoughtfully distributing resources across a range of
organizations, including smaller groups that may particularly benefit at this time. The HRC supports the initiative due to its
positive impact on low‐income residents and noted that additional information regarding how beneficiaries would be identified
or prioritized would be helpful.
#4 Ranked Project – Town of Carrboro – Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program
Applicant (Collaborators): Preserving Home Inc., Hope Renovations
Funding Requested: $29,145
Recommended Funding Level: $29,145
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.31
Project Description: This initiative trains community leaders to assist more than 230 high‐burden households in
cutting energy costs through education, home energy audits, hands‐on projects, and connections to weatherization,
rebates, and efficiency upgrades.
Project Benefits: Energy audits and education will help residents cut utility costs, lower emissions, and make
informed decisions about efficiency upgrades. The program is expected to reduce town‐wide energy use by over
249,000 kWh annually, equivalent to 67.4 metric tons of CO₂e. Households that act on recommendations will benefit
from long‐term energy savings and increased home value.
Reviewer Comments: Carefully thought‐out project with good metrics to measure success. Applicant is well suited to
carry out the project and the costs are relatively modest. Community outreach and partnerships are positive
8Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
features. Education and monitoring are part of lowering energy cost/uses. Simple concept that targets low‐ and
middle‐income residents. Short turnaround time (6 months‐year).
#5 Ranked Project – Trees for the Triangle – Tree Planting and Education
Applicant (Collaborators): Triangle Prescribed Burn Association (Through NC Cooperative
Extension), Bluestem Community NC
Funding Requested: $50,000
Recommended Funding Level: $30,000
Total Score (Out of 25 pts): 20.10
Project Description: Trees for the Triangle will expand the native tree canopy in low‐equity, climate‐vulnerable
neighborhoods through a Pay‐What‐You‐Can planting program. The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000
seedlings, and offer workshops on climate‐resilient tree care. This approach improves flood resilience, reduces
emissions, and empowers residents to build greener, healthier communities.
Project Benefits: Planting 200 native trees and distributing 2,000 seedlings will reduce flooding, sequester carbon,
cool neighborhoods, and improve air quality in vulnerable areas. Workshops will equip residents to care for their
trees, extending benefits across the county. These efforts advance climate equity by expanding green space and
strengthening community resilience for future storm events.
Reviewer Comments: Targeted approach to planting trees in disadvantaged communities and educating residents.
Plan in place to engage and educate tree owners and keep trees alive. Strong partnerships. Deducted funding to
reduce administrative costs.
#6 Ranked Project – Red Hawk Farm – Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Applicant (Collaborators): Piedmont Electric Cooperative
Funding Requested: $30,000
Recommended Funding Level: $30,000
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.74
Project Description: Red Hawk Farm (52‐acre organic farm supplying high‐quality produce year‐round using soil‐
based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies) seeks funds to transition from fossil‐fuel dependence
to renewable energy systems to strengthen resilience and reduce operating costs. This shift will also advance climate‐
conscious farming and help peers adopt similar solutions.
Project Benefits: Bringing three‐phase power to this farm will enable solar and geothermal systems that significantly
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate major energy costs. Savings can be reinvested in staff wages and
shared as a model for other regional farms seeking climate‐smart operations. The project also strengthens Orange
County’s agricultural sector and expands hands‐on learning opportunities for students and community partners.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE was very impressed by this grant. They applied last year and were turned down but
took advice and recommendations to make this year's grant request very appealing with stronger, more realistic
business/farm application than last year's with increased partnerships/collaborators. The HRC acknowledged
wanting to encourage businesses like this which support our regional county education systems,
#7 Ranked Project – Upstream Works/Carolina Community Compost – Compost Collection in 7
neighborhoods and 1 church
Applicant (Collaborators): Compost Now
Funding Requested: $30,478
Recommended Funding Level: $21,300
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.7
9Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Project Description: Carolina Community Compost will expand its successful neighborhood‐led composting model to
7 additional Orange County neighborhoods and one church, significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas
emissions and supplying compost to community gardens in low‐income areas, improving soil health and access to
fresh food. A part‐time Compost Ambassador will support outreach and education for one new 24/7 CompostNow
bin placed near a low‐income neighborhood, helping lay the groundwork for broader countywide composting.
Project Benefits: Expanding to new neighborhoods will divert 77 tons of food waste and cut 52 tons of CO₂e,
annually, and reduce landfill fees for local governments. Participating households also gain climate education,
stronger social connections, and healthier habits. The compost produced will support community gardens, benefiting
more than 700 additional residents with fresh food and improved soil.
Reviewer Comments: Interesting project with qualified organizers that have implemented a highly successful
program with expansion opportunities. This project can easily accommodate partial funding. CFE is interested in
seeing how it works for its potential for broader adoption and impact.
#8 Ranked Project – Weaver Community Housing Association– Energy Efficient Window
Installation
Applicant (Collaborators): Farewell Earth
Funding Requested: $61,352
Recommended Funding Level: $61,305
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.64
Project Description: Weaver Community Housing Association (WCHA), an affordable community housing co‐
operative, seeks funding to replace 55 aging, inefficient, and leaking windows across seven cooperative housing
units. The project benefits 24 residents, including eight children, and will be completed with a long‐time local
contractor.
Project Benefits: Replacing failing, single‐pane windows will reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve
ventilation and indoor air quality for seven low‐income households. The upgrades will prevent mold, moisture
intrusion, and long‐term structural damage. These custom windows protect a unique affordable housing asset while
improving comfort and reducing climate‐related energy burdens.
Reviewer Comments: Fully funded because other organizations who applied for CCAG have access to other funding.
#9 Ranked Project – Hillsborough Community Garden – Solar Powered Community Garden
Irrigation
Applicant (Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $18,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.27
Project Description: The Hillsborough Community Garden needs a reliable water supply independent of the town
system to remain functional during drought or emergencies. A proposed solar‐powered well on nearby church
property would provide sustainable, cost‐effective irrigation. This solution also models environmentally friendly
practices for other community gardens.
Project Benefits: All the produce grown by the Hillsborough Community Garden (HCG) for the past three years has
gone to food insecure families via PORCH Hillsborough, providing needed fresh vegetables to over 1000 people. At
our previous location in 2024 we grew and distributed more than 1500 pounds of fresh produce.
Reviewer Comments: CFE members support the idea of community gardens that feed others in need but were not
convinced a well would be needed in downtown Hillsborough. CFE also felt the GHG estimates might be too high.
The HRC mentioned that they would like to see communication with the communities supported by PORCH.
10Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
#10 Ranked Project – SolarEquity – St. Joseph’s CME Church Solar Project
Applicant (Collaborators): Saint Joseph's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Funding Requested: $28,000
Recommended Funding Level: $28,000
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17.83
Project Description: SolarEquity proposes installing a 23.4 kW solar array on St. Joseph’s CME Church to reduce utility
costs for a historically Black, low‐income community. The system will save the church over $1,200 annually and offset
about 150 metric tons of carbon emissions over 25 years.
Project Benefits: The solar array will cut nearly 6 metric tons of CO₂ annually and save the church over $1,200 per
year in utility costs, easing financial burdens on a historically low‐income congregation. Over its lifespan, the system
will offset nearly 150 metric tons of emissions and strengthen energy resilience. As a visible community institution,
the church’s adoption of solar will also inspire broader climate action within the Northside community.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE supports this grant request so that St. Joseph's can complete their original request
from 2024 to install solar panels after a roof repair. Once the panels are in place, St. Joseph's community (and
Northside in general) would have a place to go for shelter, cooling, etc. during extreme events and power losses. The
HRC noted the project’s value in supporting long‐time residents in an historically underserved community while offering
opportunities for cost savings and future community benefit.
#11 Ranked Project – Pee Wee– Native Focused Landscaping for 10 Tiny Homes
Applicant (Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $4,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17.68
Project Description: This project will add native, climate‐resilient landscaping to 10 affordable tiny homes for
formerly homeless residents. The plantings will reduce runoff, support biodiversity, and lower emissions from
mowing while beautifying shared spaces. With community input and local expertise, the initiative supports county
climate goals and long‐term stewardship.
Project Benefits: Native landscaping at 10 tiny homes will reduce mowing‐related emissions, improve stormwater
absorption, and support pollinators and local biodiversity. The project engages residents directly in planning and
stewardship, building climate awareness and community pride. These improvements also reduce flooding risks and
strengthen ecosystem resilience in underserved neighborhoods.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE loved the idea of the native plant gardens but felt the cost per person was high. The
HRC appreciated that the project targeted low‐income recipients with environment impact.
#12 Ranked Project – Town of Chapel Hill – Extension of E‐bike Lending Library Program
Applicant (Collaborators): The Bicycle Chain, East Coast Electric Speed Shop, and Trek
Funding Requested: $25,920
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 16.58
Project Description: The Town of Chapel Hill launched a free e‐bike lending program in April with enough federal
funding to cover a 1‐year pilot. We currently offer 18 E‐bikes for public use at two local bike shops and 23 E‐bikes for
staff at more than 7 Town facilities. This program has been very successful and we are seeking support to extend this
program another 8‐12 months to offer E‐bike experiences to more residents and staff.
11Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Project Benefits: The E‐bike lending library gives residents free, short‐term access to e‐bikes, reducing car trips,
emissions, and transportation costs. Exposure to multiple bike types helps users discover accessible, healthier travel
options. The program also supports local bike shops and increases community adoption of low‐emission mobility.
Reviewer Comments: GHG reduction is based on total project lifetime, but the funding request is only for an
additional year of operations. The CFE was concerned about the sustainability of the e‐bike program long‐term and
what would happen if the project ended due to lack of funding. Most of the reduction in gasoline is tied to people
purchasing their own e‐bikes and assumptions (e.g., number of e‐bikes purchased) are not substantiated with data.
The HRC commented that having targeted communities that are low‐income or partnership ideas to target minority
populations could be considered.
#13 Ranked Project – Town of Carrboro – E‐bike Voucher and Education Program
Applicant (Collaborators): Back Alley Bikes, Shift Chapel Hill‐Carrboro
Funding Requested: $33,400
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 16.09
Project Description: This pilot will provide 20 income‐eligible residents with vouchers for free e‐bikes, reducing
transportation insecurity and emissions. Modeled on successful programs in Raleigh and Durham, the initiative will
include safety gear, outreach, and workshops.
Project Benefits: Providing e‐bike vouchers to low‐income residents will replace car trips, reducing over 100 metric
tons of CO₂ and improving air quality. The program expands mobility for people who cannot afford cars or electric
vehicles, improving access to work, healthcare, and daily needs. Supporting local bike shops keeps economic benefits
within Carrboro.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE and HRC scores were closely aligned and suggested a comparatively lower return relative to
other proposals. Reviewers noted that the cost per recipient is relatively high and would be most impactful if the program
encouraged broader e‐bike adoption. The HRC also emphasized the importance of meaningful community engagement and
raised questions about the extent to which the program would reach communities of color or advance social justice and racial
equity goals.
#14 Ranked Project – The ArtsCenter – Cellular Blinds
Applicant (Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $21,800
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 15.73
Project Description: The ArtsCenter plans to install high‐efficiency cellular shades to improve building energy
performance. Installation will be done by a long‐standing local, veteran‐owned business.
Project Benefits: Installing high‐efficiency cellular shades will reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer,
lowering energy use throughout the building. Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that cellular shades outperform
vinyl blinds, delivering up to 20% heating energy savings and up to 15% total heating‐and‐cooling energy savings
compared to homes without shades.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE did not feel this was a high priority project, given limited funding and the quality of
other applications. The HRC rank was low and GHG reductions were minimal. The Arts Center has been a grant
recipient in the past and the CFE wanted to give others an opportunity.
12Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
#15 Ranked Project – Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health and Equity – Climate Informed
Prenatal Care
Applicant (Collaborators): UNC Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Orange County
Health Department (OCHD)
Funding Requested: $10,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 15.29
Project Description: This project will deliver climate‐health training to maternity care providers, focusing on reducing
pregnancy risks from extreme heat. It will develop evidence‐based materials, co‐design content with clinicians and
patients, and provide a one‐hour educational webinar.
Project Benefits: Training maternity‐care providers in climate‐related health risks will improve prenatal counseling
and help pregnant patients protect themselves during extreme heat events. The program will enhance provider
capacity and support Orange County’s heat‐action goals. Long‐term benefits include reduced pregnancy
complications, improved maternal health equity, and greater climate preparedness across the healthcare system.
Reviewer Comments: The CFE loves this project idea but it does not align with the goal of GHG reductions for the
CCAG. This heat mitigation project aligns nicely with the Heat Action Plan that is in development. The HRC
appreciated that from a social justice side, this is an innovative idea to support low income families early on in life,
addressing health disparities stratified by income & race.
#16 Ranked Project – Bluestem Community NC– Rooftop Solar Installation
Applicant (Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $25,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 14.67
Project Description: Bluestem Community plans to install a 9.628 kW solar array with battery backup on a new barn
extension to move toward net‐zero energy use. The project aligns with the organization’s conservation‐focused
mission and supports its community and ecological programming. The south‐facing roof will host 16 solar panels to
meet current and future energy needs.
Project Benefits: Installing on‐site solar with battery storage will move Bluestem toward net‐zero operations and
eliminate dependence on fossil‐fuel‐generated electricity. The system will reduce emissions from equipment and
vehicle charging while lowering long‐term utility costs. Savings can be reinvested in community programming,
accessibility improvements, and environmental stewardship.
Reviewer Comments: This project doesn't seem to meet the objective of working towards racial equity or working
for the broader community within Orange County.
Appendix: Full Scoring Table:
Final
Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount
Requested
1. Average
Social
Justice and
Racial Equity
(0-6 pts)
2. Average
Emissions
Reduced
(0-4 pts)
3. Average
Efficient
Use of
Funds
(0-4 pts)
4. Average
Capacity
of
Applicant
(0-3 pts)
5. Average
Local
Economic
Development
(0-3 pts)
6. Average
Amount and
Duration of
Engagement
(0-3 pts)
7. Average
Time to
Complete
(0-3 pts)
Total
Average
Score
1
Table
Ministries,
Inc.
Twin Creeks
Farm
Expansion $50,000 5.67 2.80 2.70 2.70 2.50 2.60 2.60 21.57
2
Urban
Sustainability
Solutions,
Inc.
High-School
Students
Installing
Riparian
Buffers
$52,000 4.17 3.36 3.36 2.73 2.27 2.73 2.73 21.35
13Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Final
Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount
Requested
1. Average
Social
Justice and
Racial Equity
(0-6 pts)
2. Average
Emissions
Reduced
(0-4 pts)
3. Average
Efficient
Use of
Funds
(0-4 pts)
4. Average
Capacity
of
Applicant
(0-3 pts)
5. Average
Local
Economic
Development
(0-3 pts)
6. Average
Amount and
Duration of
Engagement
(0-3 pts)
7. Average
Time to
Complete
(0-3 pts)
Total
Average
Score
3
Habitat for
Humanity of
Orange
County, NC
Weatherizati
on &
Disaster
Resilient
Housing $150,000 4.83 2.45 2.18 3.00 2.64 2.55 2.91 20.56
4 Town of
Carrboro
Carrboro
Energy
Efficiency
Program
$29,145 3.86 2.64 3.09 2.73 2.55 2.64 2.82 20.31
5
Trees for the
Triangle
Tree
Planting and
Education $50,000 3.29 3.27 3.18 3.00 2.00 2.64 2.73 20.10
6 Red Hawk
Farm, LLC
Renewable
Energy
Infrastructure
for the Future
of Farms
$30,000 2.83 3.64 3.73 2.73 1.82 2.45 2.55 19.74
7
Upstream
Works — on
behalf of
Carolina
Community
Compost
Carolina
Community
Compost
$30,478 4.33 2.73 2.82 2.82 1.82 2.45 2.73 19.70
8
Weaver
Community
Housing
Association
Energy
Efficient
Windows
Installation
$61,352 4.00 2.27 2.64 2.91 1.82 2.09 2.91 18.64
9
Hillsborough
Community
Garden
Solar
powered
community
garden
irrigation
$18,000 4.17 2.30 3.00 2.10 2.10 2.00 2.60 18.27
10 SolarEquity
Inc.
St. Joseph's
CME Church
Solar Project $28,000 4.29 2.36 2.45 2.55 1.45 2.27 2.45 17.83
11
Pee Wee
Homes
Native
focused
landscaping
for 10
dignified and
affordable
tiny homes $4,000 4.86 1.18 2.00 2.73 2.27 2.00 2.64 17.68
12 Town of
Chapel Hill
Extension of
E-Bike
Lending
Library
Program
$25,920 2.67 2.45 2.45 2.55 1.73 2.00 2.73 16.58
13 Town of
Carrboro
E-Bike
Voucher and
Education
Program $33,400 3.00 2.09 1.64 2.82 1.91 1.82 2.82 16.09
14 The Arts
Center
Cellular
Blinds for
The
ArtsCenter
$21,800 2.00 1.55 2.00 2.82 2.45 2.09 2.82 15.73
15
Carolina
Advocates
for Climate,
Health, and
Equity
Climate-
informed
Prenatal
Care $10,000 3.29 0.45 2.27 2.73 1.64 2.27 2.64 15.29
16
Bluestem
Community
NC
Rooftop
Solar
Installation
for Bluestem
Community
NC
$25,000 1.67 2.09 2.36 2.18 1.45 2.36 2.55 14.67
14Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Attachment 2 - Community Climate Action Grant Project Status Fiscal Year Project Organization Award Amount Estimated Annual GHG Reduction metric tons CO2e Project Status 19‐20 Solar for Schools (a) Orange County Schools$150,00025In progress19‐20 Solar for Schools (b) Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools$150,000194In progress19‐20 Supplemental Weatherization Orange County$150,00022 In progress19‐20 LED Light Campaign Orange County$19,2724COMPLETED20‐21 Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill$40,000 880 (pounds)COMPLETED20‐21 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Town of Chapel Hill$18,500 6COMPLETED20‐21 Cedar Falls Park LED Light Conversion Town of Chapel Hill$128,057 9 COMPLETED20‐21 Cane Creek Reservoir 352.4 kW Solar OWASA$75,000 110COMPLETED20‐21 Water heater replacements NAACP$122,100 26 COMPLETED20‐21 Solar Panels on Affordable Habitat Homes Habitat for Humanity of Orange County $95,000 16 COMPLETED21‐22 Low Income HVAC Replacement Rebuilding Together of the Triangle$113,00034 COMPLETED21‐22 Neighborhood Energy Resiliency ProjectNC Sustainable Energy Association$90,00010 COMPLETED21‐22 Food Waste Monitor Eno River Farmer’s Market$4,00019COMPLETED21‐22 Food Waste Monitor Town of Carrboro$3,76519COMPLETED21‐22 Bike Rack and EV Charging Station The ArtsCenter$17,0006COMPLETED21‐22 203 Project Solar Array and Green RoofTown of Carrboro$40,567See FY 22‐23COMPLETED21‐22 Solar for Schools (b) Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools$250,00See FY 19‐20In progress22‐23 Habitat Rooftop Solar Habitat for Humanity$100,000 22COMPLETED22‐23 Weatherization Rebuilding Together of the Triangle $25,0005COMPLETED22‐23 Food Waste Monitors Eno River Farmers’ Market$4,500 19COMPLETED22‐23 203 Solar Project Town of Carrboro$40,575 21COMPLETED22‐23 Fleet Electrification Project Town of Chapel Hill$50,000 33 In progress22‐23 Solar Roof The ArtsCenter$55,000 27COMPLETED22‐23 Emission Reductions Through HVAC Replacements Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools $275,075 147 In progress23‐24 Supplemental weatherization to home repair projects Habitat for Humanity$55,0007COMPLETED23‐24 Green infrastructure and apprenticeship program for Orange County Schools Urban Sustainability Solutions$69,1565COMPLETED23‐24 Rooftop solar Hillsborough United Church of Christ $10,0007COMPLETED23‐24 Rooftop solar Binkley Baptist Church$49,0365COMPLETED23‐24 Rooftop solar on Peach Apartments EMPOWERment$61,62312In progress15Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Attachment 2 - Community Climate Action Grant Project Status (a) Installing two 54 panel bi‐facial solar pedestals and fast charger to power electric school buses (b) Northside Elementary School solar installation project is complete; working on leveraging direct pay funding to be able to complete a solar installation project on Morris Grove Elementary now. Fiscal Year Project Organization Award Amount Estimated Annual GHG Reduction metric tons CO2e Project Status 23‐24 Installation of gardens, terrace and greenhouse, plant‐based diets Club Nova$37,2275COMPLETED23‐24 LED light campus changeover CHCCCS$94,01424COMPLETED23‐24 54‐panel solar panel pedestal with battery storage and EV charging station (a) Orange County Schools$188,02936In progress24‐25 Shade For Schools Trees for the Triangle$50,000 172In progress24‐25 Rooftop Solar on Habitat Homes Habitat for Humanity$50,00022COMPLETE24‐25 Peach Apartments Solar Project Empowerment$19,800 11In progress24‐25 Nature Based Solutions at the Confluence Natural Area Eno River Association $22,600 23 In progress24‐25 St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project Solar Equity $50,0006 In progress24‐25 Orange County Green Infrastructure Workforce Development Program Urban Sustainability Solutions $58,100 9 COMPLETE24‐25 Food Forest Jubilee Healing Farm$12,000 14In progress16Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG)Project Selection FY25-26January 20, 202617Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
CCAG BackgroundCommunity Climate Action Grant:•Established in FY 2019–20to support community led climate action •In its sixth year, with increasing impact, demand, and community engagement•Complements and advances Orange County’s Climate Action Planby funding projects that reduce emissions, build resilience, and deliver community co-benefits•Board-approved scoring and eligibility guidelines•Projects prioritized for social justice and racial equity benefits18Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
CCAG Eligibility Guidelines•Non-profits, public entities, and small businesses• All funds spent in Orange County•Must have legal standing to receive funds•Ongoing projects eligible if expanding or accelerating•Replacement and repair projects are eligible if not likely to be funded within 5 years19Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
CCAG Scoring Criteria• 26-point scale•Social Justice and Racial Equity (6pts) •GHG emissions reduced (4 pts)•Efficient use of Funds (4 pts)•Capacity of Applicant (3 pts)•Local Economic Development (3 pts)•Amount and Duration of Engagement (3 pts)•Time to complete (3 pts)*All applications are reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment and the Human Relations Commission 20Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
New This Year•Community Outreach–Signage– Promoted at Ag Summit– Targeted email list–Various media•New Grant Portal Launched–16 applications!•Diverse and Innovative Projects–solar, nature-based, energy efficiency, micro-mobility• $619,095 in grant funding requested ($267,750 available)21Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Advisory Board Recommendations:• 8 projects recommended for full/partial funding• Partial funding was applied when projects:• Were designed to be scalable• Could leverage other funding sources• Applicants indicated they could successfully proceed with partial funding22Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers $52,000 $38,000 21.35 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost $30,478 $21,300 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E-Bike Lending Library Program $25,920 $0 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC $25,000 $0 14.67 Total Total Amount Requested $619,095 Total Amount Recommended $267,750 Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers $52,000 $38,000 21.35 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost $30,478 $21,300 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E-Bike Lending Library Program $25,920 $0 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC $25,000 $0 14.67 Total Total Amount Requested is $619,095Total Amount Recommended is $267,750 23Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
2025 Project HighlightsDrakeford LibraryRooftop solar & educational signageExpanding renewable energy while creating learning opportunitiesUrban Sustainability SolutionsGreen infrastructure & workforce developmentPartnering with schools to manage stormwater and build career pathwaysTrees for the TriangleTree planting in schoolsIncreasing tree canopy and engaging students Binkley Baptist ChurchRooftop solarAdvancing clean energy through on-site renewable generation24Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0
Should any of the above described coverages be cancelled before
the expiration date thereof the issuing company will endeavor to
mail 30 days written notice to the certificate holder named to the left,
but failure to mail such notice shall impose no obligation or liability
of any kind upon the company, its agents or representatives.
Companies affording Coverage
Certificate of Insurance
This Certificate is issued as a matter of information only and confers no rights upon the Certificate Holder.
This Certificate does not amend, extend or alter the coverage afforded by the Policies below.
Named Participant
Town of Carrboro
301 W Main Street
CARRBORO, NC 27510
Type of Coverage Effective
Date
Limits of LiabilityExpiration
Date
Description
Cert holder is additional insured regarding Orange County Climate Action Grant Program.
Orange County, its officers, agents, employees
300 West Tryon St
Hillsborough, NC 27484
07/01/202607/01/2025GENERAL LIABILITY
Commercial General Liability
Claims Made Occurrence
Products-Comp/Operations
A $5,000,000
Interlocal Risk Financing Fund of North Carolina
Issue Date (MM/DD/YYYY)
COVERAGES
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE COVERAGE LISTED BELOW IS AFFORDED TO THE PARTICIPANT NAMED ABOVE FOR THE PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
REQUIREMENT TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN THE COVERAGE
DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH PROGRAM.
Policy Number
North Carolina Interlocal Risk Management Agency
A =
B =
Co
Ltr
ý
PL-P-93007-2025A
¨ý
Personal & Adv. Injury $5,000,000
Each Occurrence $5,000,000
Fire Damage (Any one fire)
Med. Expense (Any one
)N/A
Deductible $1,000
$1,000,000
A AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY PL-P-93007-2025 07/01/2025 07/01/2026 Limit Deductible
CSLAny Auto (Symbol 1)ý
Hired Autos (Symbol 8)¨
Non-Owned Autos (Symbol 9)¨
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists¨
$500
PROPERTY Limit Deductible
Real & Personal Property¨
Auto Physical Damage (Symbol 7 & 8)¨
Municipal Equipment¨
Computer Equipment & Media¨
Portable Equipment¨
Fine Arts¨
Police Professional Liability Deductible
Claims Made Occurrence¨¨
Public Officials Liability Deductible
Claims Made Occurrence¨¨
Workers' CompensationB WC-P-265-2025 07/01/2025 07/01/2026 Limit
$2,000,000
WC Statutory Limitý
Each Accident
$2,000,000
Disease - Policy Limit $2,000,000
Disease - Each Employee
OTHER COVERAGE Limit Deductible
¨
¨
Workers' Compensation and Employer's
Liabilityý
Certificate Holder Cancellation
Authorized Representative
01/27/2026
$5,000,000
Builder's Risk¨
Claims Made Occurrence
DeductibleEmployment Practices Liability
¨¨
Limit(per occurrence/aggregate)
Limit(each claim/aggregate)
Limit(each claim/aggregate)
Docusign Envelope ID: B7F69C66-F314-4506-B393-F26F9CEC96B0