HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-086-E-County Mgr-Solar Equity-St. Joseph's CME Church Solar ProjectClimate Action Grant Program
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COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION GRANT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into the tenth day of March 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 Solar Equity, Inc, a not-for-profit corporation, located
at Box #356 FPG Student Union UNC Campus Box 5210, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 (“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 March 10,
2026 to March 10, 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 $28,000.
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 Solar Equity, Inc.
Attention: Amy Eckberg Attention: Caroline White
P.O. Box 8181 Address: Box #356 FPG Student Union
UNC Campus Box 5210
Hillsborough, NC 27278 Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Email:aeckberg@orangecountync.gov Email: cwhite@solar-equity.org
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
_____________________________ _______________________
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: Solar Equity Inc Vendor Contact Person: Caroline White Phone: 19842895433 Address: Box #356
FPG Student Union UNC Campus Box 5210 City Chapel Hill State: NC Zip: 27599 Department: County
Manager Amount: $28,000 Purpose: St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project Budget Code(s): 61210335-803109-
30052 Vendor # 68837
Vendor Status with NCSOS: Vendor is a BOCC consultant: Yes No
Contract Details
Contract Type: New Amendment (Original Contract: ) (Most Recent Amendment )
Effective Date March 10, 2026 End Date March 10, 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
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The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts:
Received for record retention:
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
We’re requesting that we receive the full amount of grant funds by the end of Q1 2026.
We’d like to have received the final sum of our grant payments from Orange County
by March 31, 2026, so that we can pay the last three installments to NC Solar Now in April
2026.
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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: __________________________ Date: ___________
(Provider’s Signature)
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3/10/2026Vice President
Orange County Sustainability Powered by Submittable
Title St. Joseph's CME Church Sol ar
Proj ect
by Sam Rattigan in 2026 Orange County
Community Climate Action Grant Application
samuel.rattigan@gmail.com
08/21/2025
id. 51420169
Post Award - Active Vendor
Score n/a
Original Submission 08/21/2025
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
SolarEquity Inc.
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A2. Physical Address 209 South Road
Chapel Hill
NC
27599
US
35.9099982
-79.0475792
A3. Is your mailing
address different
than your physical
address?
Yes
Mailing Address Box #356 FPG Student Union
UNC Campus Box 5210
Chapel Hill
NC
27599
US
35.903004
-79.0504507
A4. W eb Address (if
applicable)
https://solar-equity.org/
A5. Preferred Phone
Number
+19842895433
A6. E-Mail cwhite@solar-equity.org
A7. Tax ID Number 88-0719926
A8. W here did you
hear about this grant
opportunity?
W ebsite
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
Sam
Rattigan
A13. Primary Contact
Title
Director of Grant W riting
A14. Primary Contact
Preferred Phone
Number
+18284507521
A15. Primary Contact
Email Address
samratt@unc.edu
A16. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director
Caroline
W hite
A17. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director Title
President/Executive Director
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A18. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director Preferred
Phone Number
+19842895433
A19. Chief Executive
Officer / Executive
Director Email
Address
cwhite@solar-equity.org
A20. Date of
Incorporation
(Month/Year):
08/2022
A21. Applicant
Organization’s
Purpose/Mission:
(100 word limit)
SolarEquity seeks to expand access to clean energy by solarizing
affordable housing and low-income communities. Through community-based
partnerships, we drive an equitable energy transition by installing solar,
enhancing energy efficiency, and advancing policy change.
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.)?
No
A23. Is this
organization an
Orange County
Living W age
Certified Employer*?
No
A23a. If no, please
explain why your
organization is not an
Orange County
Living W age
Certified Employer?
(100 word limit)
SolarEquity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization entirely run by student
volunteers from the University of North Carolina. Our team plans,
fundraises for, and oversees solar energy projects across the region.
W hile no members are compensated financially, students gain valuable
leadership experience, project management skills, and real-world exposure
to renewable energy work, providing an educational and professional
foundation that extends beyond the classroom.
Schedule of Positions:
A24. Number of Full-
Time Paid Positions:
0
A25. Number of Part-
Time Paid Positions:
1
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A26. Number of
Volunteers:
47
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
Saint Joseph's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
B1b. Date of
Incorporation
(Month/Year)
1898
B1c. Collaborator
organization’s
Purpose/Mission
(100 word limit)
The mission of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be disciples
of Jesus the Christ by serving individuals, communities, and the world as
the representative, loving presence of God and as witnesses to God’s
salvation and grace.
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)?
No
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)
As a church, the wages and benefits for the Pastor are established by the
national conference. St. Joseph’s CME Church provides a 12% pension
individually to each person based on their salary.
115 Volunteers, 1 full-time paid position (Pastor).
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Schedule of Positions:
B1f. Number of Full-
Time Paid Positions:
1
B1g. Number of Part-
Time Paid Positions:
0
B1h. Number of
Volunteers:
115
B2. Do you have
another collaborator
or partner to add?
No
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)
St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project
C1b. Please
describe the
proposed project.
(300 word limit)
SolarEquity proposes the installation of a 23.4kW solar array on the roof of
St. Joseph’s CME Church, located in Chapel Hill’s Northside Neighborhood.
Northside is a historically Black community that has long provided
affordable housing for families earning 30-60% of the area's median
income. In recent decades, the neighborhood has faced intense pressures
from gentrification and student rental conversions, placing financial and
cultural strain on long-term residents. St. Joseph’s CME Church has been a
cornerstone of the Northside community for generations. Its congregation
is directly responsible for covering the church’s utility costs, which puts an
additional financial burden on members already facing housing insecurity
and rising living expenses. This project would directly reduce that burden.
By installing solar, the church will save approximately $104 per month,
totaling $1,253 per year, which can be reinvested into community-focused
programming. Over the solar array’s 30-year lifespan, the system will also
offset more than 1.038 million pounds of carbon emissions, contributing to
a more sustainable future. Before the installation, SolarEquity will contract
NC Solar Now to replace a portion of the roof, ensuring it is viable for the
full lifetime of the solar system. This proactive investment ensures the
project’s durability and long-term impact. This project is a tangible step
toward climate justice, energy equity, and long-term stability for a
neighborhood fighting to retain its identity and support its residents.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
C1c. Please
describe your
project’s benefits,
including those that
are quantifiable. (150
word limit)
The St. Joseph’s CME Church Solar Project will lower energy costs, cut
greenhouse gas emissions, and support Chapel Hill’s historically Black
Northside Neighborhood. A 23.4 kW solar array will offset 19.8 metric tons
of CO annually—471 metric tons over 25 years. The church will save
$1,253 per year on utilities and over $80,000 lifetime, assuming a 5% IRR
and rising Duke Energy Commercial Rate Tariffs. Because congregants
fund operating costs, these savings ease their energy burden, a critical
benefit in a neighborhood facing gentrification and displacement. The
project also advances clean energy education, having already engaged
with the congregation through town halls and technical assistance packets.
Research shows non-residential solar can spur residential adoption; the
church’s visibility offers ripple effects for broader climate action. By
centering racial and energy equity, the project delivers measurable
environmental impact and strengthens resilience in a historically
underserved community.
C1d. Please choose
the best description
for the type of
project*:
Clean Energy Infrastructure – New
C1e. W hat is the
main way that this
project helps fight
climate change?
(select one):
Renewable Energy
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 Chapel Hill/Town of Chapel Hill Climate Action and Response Plan
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Please name the
action items from the
Chapel Hill Climate
Action Plan that best
align with your
proposed project.
(200 word limit)
Chapel Hill’s Top 5 Climate Action Categories are Green the Grid,
Sustainable Transportation, Sustainable Development, Green Building
Retrofits, and Green Infrastructure Resiliency. The St. Joseph’s CME
Church solar project, a small-scale renewable energy initiative, supports
“Green the Grid” and advances the Town’s goal of net zero utility emissions
by 2050. As a community pillar, the Church can help drive solar adoption in
LMI neighborhoods. Its 23.4 kW rooftop system will cut reliance on Duke
Energy—largely powered by natural gas—reduce its carbon footprint by
30%, and bring the Church close to 50% net zero. W ith an additional
energy efficiency or HVAC upgrade, it could surpass that threshold, directly
contributing to Chapel Hill’s target of 5% of commercial buildings reaching
50% net zero by 2030.
The project also advances climate education under Mitigation and
Resilience. SolarEquity, whose mission is to expand solar access in
affordable housing communities, emphasizes education and collaboration
with local partners. The Church project was proposed during a town hall–
style meeting with leaders, ensuring transparency and engagement. A
technical assistance packet provided clear, accessible information on
energy and sol
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
28000
C4. Describe your
proposed use of
funds. (150 word
limit)
SolarEquity is seeking the final $28,000 needed to complete the St.
Joseph’s CME Church solar project. Thanks to prior support, including a
$50,000 grant from this very program, we’ve already raised over 60% of
the $78,251 required. That initial grant sparked real momentum: not only did
it allow us to move forward with permitting and roof planning, but it also
ignited excitement and hope within the congregation. This final funding will
cover the remaining costs for the solar installation itself, ensuring the
system is operational by early 2026. The 23.4kW array will significantly
reduce the church’s utility costs and carbon footprint, with long-term
benefits for the historically Black Northside community. By closing this
funding gap, Orange County will help bring a transformative project across
the finish line, one that centers on environmental justice, energy equity,
and lasting community resilience.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
C5. If a full award for
your project is not
possible, can/will you
accept partial funding
and still be
successful?
Yes
Please explain how
your project can still
be successful if you
don't receive the full
requested amount.
(200 word limit)
SolarEquity’s installation of solar on St. Joseph’s CME Church will proceed
irrespective of the County’s support. If we do not receive funding from this
grant, we will move forward, applying for other grant funding and fundraising
opportunities like our SolarStrides 5k. W ith this said, receiving funding from
Orange County will ensure the project commences construction ahead of
the Investment Tax Credit phase-out during the middle of 2026, thereby
saving tens of thousands of dollars and ensuring that the Church
congregation sees reduced energy burdens moving forward.
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)
St. Joseph’s CME Church is a historically Black church located in Chapel
Hill’s Northside Neighborhood. Its congregation - primarily Black, multi-
generational residents of Orange County - is deeply rooted in a community
that has experienced decades of displacement due to rising housing costs,
student rental conversions, and gentrification. Northside has long served
as Chapel Hill’s largest Black neighborhood and a hub for low-to-moderate-
income families. However, between 1980 and 2010, its Black population
declined by over 40%, from 1,159 to 690 residents. Many families have
been priced out, pushed to rural areas further from jobs, services, and
transit. The Church remains a spiritual and cultural cornerstone in this
changing landscape. Its members are directly responsible for covering
utility costs, so reducing energy bills will ease the financial burden on
congregants and enable reinvestment in community needs. Indirectly, the
broader Northside community - primarily people of color and low-income
households - will benefit from cleaner air, energy education, and inspiration
to pursue solar adoption themselves.
D2. W hat are the
demographics of the
area where your
project takes place?
(150 word limit)
This project takes place in Chapel Hill’s Northside Neighborhood, the town’s
oldest and largest historically Black community. Northside has long served
as home to working-class Black families and older residents, many of
whom have lived there for generations. The neighborhood primarily
consists of single-family homes priced below the Chapel Hill average and
serves residents earning 30-60% of the area median income. However,
over recent decades, Northside has experienced a sharp demographic shift
due to gentrification and rising student housing demand. Between 1980 and
2010, the Black population declined from 1,159 to 690 residents. Today,
approximately 69% of non-student households in Northside are households
of color. W hile the broader neighborhood is rapidly changing, St. Joseph’s
CME Church remains a cultural and community anchor for longtime
residents.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
D3. Does your
project help to
address any racial
disparities in the
location it is
proposed for? (200
word limit)
This project directly addresses racial disparities by reducing the energy
burden for the historically Black congregation in Chapel Hill’s Northside
Neighborhood. Northside has faced systemic disinvestment, gentrification,
and displacement as student housing and development pressures rise.
Black residents have been pushed out by rising property values and
increasing utility costs. St. Joseph’s CME Church, a cultural hub for the
remaining community, is financially supported by its members. High energy
bills place a disproportionate strain on these low-to moderate-income Black
families. Installing solar will reduce the church’s energy costs by over
$1,250 annually, freeing up resources for community programs and easing
pressure on congregants. Additionally, this project increases access to
clean energy in a community where environmental and economic benefits
are often least accessible. It also serves as a visible symbol of
environmental justice and a model for future solar equity efforts in
communities of color.
D4. Please list any
data sources used in
reference to D1, D2,
and D3 and show the
steps of any
calculations. (300
word limit)
The demographic data came from the census taken by the US Census
Bureau, as well as a local “Northside Census” organized by the Marion
Cheek Jackson Center. This local census was created to measure
neighborhood demographics, student versus non-student households,
racial and ethnic diversity, and longtime residents’ experiences with
student neighbors.
D4a. Optional file
upload to show the
steps of any
calculations.
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)
SolarEquity engaged directly with St. Joseph’s CME Church, the Jackson
Center, and Northside community members during the planning of this
project. This proposal began with conversations with the Jackson Center, a
local housing justice organization with close ties to the Church, to identify
how solar could most benefit the community. From there, SolarEquity
hosted a town hall at the church where all the congregants were invited to
ask questions, express concerns, and provide input. Based on this
feedback, SolarEquity adjusted key design elements, including system
specifications and roof repairs. Final decisions were made in close
collaboration with church leadership to ensure community priorities were
upheld at every step. This inclusive planning process ensured that the
project was designed not just for, but alongside the people it intends to
serve.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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)
This project poses no direct risks to low-income or marginalized
stakeholders. However, two long-term considerations are being addressed.
First, only part of the church’s roof will be replaced prior to installation to
preserve eligibility for federal tax credits. This means the remaining section
may need future repairs. To support continuity, SolarEquity will connect the
church with the same contractor, ensuring a consistent, cost-effective
solution for future repairs. Second, the eventual end-of-life of the panels
(after ~25 years) may raise disposal concerns. Fortunately, Orange
County already has a growing secondary market for used solar panels,
such as through Habitat ReStores, and solar recycling infrastructure is
expanding nationally. NC Solar Now, the project installer, currently
subcontracts a local company to recycle decommissioned panels, and will
provide future support to the church when needed. These steps ensure
long-term sustainability while minimizing future financial or logistical burdens
on the community.
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)
Yes, impacted residents are fully aware of both the potential benefits and
long-term considerations of the solar installation at the St. Joseph’s CME
Church. In April 2024, the SolarEquity team held a community meeting at
the church to present the proposal, following months of collaboration with
church leadership and the Jackson Center. The entire congregation was
invited, and broad participation ensured transparency and community
ownership of the project. During the session, SolarEquity presented NC
Solar Now’s proposal along with a technical assistance packet to build
energy literacy and answer questions. Community members raised
concerns about the roof’s structural integrity, panel selection, and long-term
ownership of the system. In response, SolarEquity made key changes:
selecting a different panel, adjusting the system design, and committing to
replacing part of the roof to avoid future costs to the church.
All major decisions were shaped by congregational feedback, and the
project moved forward only after receiving full support from both church
leadership and members. This dialogue will continue throughout
implementation.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
D8. During and after
the project, what will
your continued
engagement with the
impacted community
be? (200 word limit)
From the outset, SolarEquity has prioritized respectful, informed
engagement with the Northside community. Before proposing the project,
our team took the Jackson Center’s audio tour to understand the
neighborhood’s history and the role St. Joseph’s CME Church plays within
it. This context guided our planning and deepened our commitment to
culturally responsive development. Throughout this project, we will maintain
active dialogue with the church and broader community through follow-up
meetings, interviews, and continued involvement in church services and
events. W e also aim to amplify the neighborhood’s story, especially the
impact of gentrification, within the broader UNC Chapel Hill student body.
By fostering awareness, we hope to cultivate more intentional relationships
between students and long-term residents.
After installation, SolarEquity will remain involved, providing ongoing
support, system monitoring, and educational outreach. W e will also
collaborate with the Jackson Center to track the project’s influence on
residential solar adoption and energy awareness. Long-term, we intend to
reinvest any future funding from solar tax credits back into Northside
through additional energy equity projects. Our goal is to ensure the
church’s solar system is not just a technical success, but a catalyst for
sustained community resilience.
D9. Please describe
any other aspect of
your project that is
relevant to Social
Justice,
Environmental
Justice and Racial
Equity. (200 word
limit)
Like many houses of worship across the US, St. Joseph’s CME Church
functions as far more than a spiritual space; it is a cultural anchor,
community center, and symbol of resilience for the historically Black
Northside Neighborhood. Its energy costs, however, are funded directly by
congregants, many of whom are low-to moderate-income, placing a
disproportionate financial burden on a community already facing
displacement and housing instability.
Installing solar at the church is a form of environmental justice: it brings
clean energy to a population historically excluded from its benefits.
Nationally, solar adoption is concentrated in affluent, white communities.
This project challenges that trend by bringing visible, community-owned
renewable energy to a neighborhood of color. The installation may also
encourage broader residential solar adoption. Studies show that non-
residential systems like churches can catalyze uptake in nearby homes. St.
Joseph’s solar array will serve as both a financial relief and a beacon of
local climate leadership, demonstrating that energy equity and racial equity
must go hand in hand.
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
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Is your project a
solar project?
Yes
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?
No
D10d. Does your
project save on food
waste?
No
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?
Yes
How does your
project reduce
greenhouse gas
emissions and what
metrics can you
share to support this
number? (An example
metric is acres of
land)
Yes. In addition to directly reducing emissions through rooftop solar, this
project may catalyze additional emissions reductions by encouraging
residential solar adoption in the surrounding community. A study published
in Frontiers in Sustainable Energy Policy found a strong correlation
between non-residential solar installations, like churches, and increased
residential adoption in nearby neighborhoods. St. Joseph’s CME Church is
a highly visible community hub in the Northside Neighborhood, where
barriers to solar adoption include concerns about cost, maintenance, and
aesthetics. As residents observe the church’s system in action, these
concerns may diminish, leading to new installations.
Based on past work with Habitat for Humanity in Orange County, we
estimate that if just three homes in Northside adopt 5.4kW systems as a
result of this influence, an additional 990,000 pounds of CO2 could be
avoided over the next 25 years. This secondary impact supports the
church’s role as a local catalyst for energy and climate equity.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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.]
495
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)
W e multiplied the annual metric tons of CO2e reduced (19.8 tons) by the
expected 25-year lifetime of the project, resulting in 495 metric tons of
greenhouse gas emissions reduced.
Option file upload to
show additional
calculations.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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.
25
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)
The emissions reduction will occur over the 25-year lifespan of the solar
panels. Trina, the panel manufacturer, guarantees that the system will still
produce 84.8% of its original output at year 25. W hile system performance
will gradually decline, rising electricity rates, such as the 15.7% Duke
Energy increase approved for 2026, will likely increase the financial and
environmental value of avoided grid energy over time. Thus, both
emissions reduction and cost savings remain significant throughout the
system’s full operational life.
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)
Grid-tied electricity reduction
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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)
In addition to its direct reduction of 19.8 metric tons of CO2 annually, this
project may generate secondary emissions savings by inspiring residential
solar adoption in the surrounding Northside community. As previously
mentioned, non-residential solar installations, especially on trusted
institutions, can strongly influence uptake among nearby households.
St. Joseph’s CME Church holds a central place in the Northside
Neighborhood, serving as both a spiritual and communal anchor. By placing
solar on such a visible, respected building, the project helps normalize
clean energy in a historically under-resourced area. Residents who may
have concerns about cost, roof damage, or maintenance will have the
opportunity to see firsthand how low-maintenance and beneficial solar can
be over time. Additionally, SolarEquity’s outreach, through technical
assistance packets, open forums, and ongoing support, equips residents
with the tools to consider solar for their own homes. If just three single-
family homes adopt 5.4kW systems as a result, nearly 990,000 pounds of
CO2 could be avoided over 25 years, based on similar past projects with
Habitat for Humanity. This project’s impact extends well beyond the church
roof, representing a community-driven model for long-term emissions
reductions and environmental equity.
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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 savings for the St. Joseph's CME Church will begin as soon as the
project is operational and will accrue over the 25-year lifetime of the
panels. Over the project's lifespan, the Church will see reduced electricity
bills and potentially even generate excess electricity that can be sold back
to the grid. The 23.4kW solar PV system is estimated to save the
Northside Neighborhood over $80,000 in energy costs over the next 25
years. This figure is likely to increase given Duke Energy’s recurring rate
hikes that make energy progressively more expensive.
SolarEquity is slated to pay for 100% of the upfront cost of the project;
hence, St. Joseph's CME Church will immediately see financial benefits.
The upfront funding will come through grants and donations. Solar panels
generally require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan. The
church will be responsible for the maintenance of solar equipment, but will
be able to fall back on its relationship with NC Solar Now to streamline the
process.
This large 23.4kW solar array will also cover a significant portion of the
roof. The part of the roof covered by the array will wear less quickly and
remain intact for considerably longer than the exposed portion of the roof,
hopefully reducing long-term roof maintenance costs. After consulting the
Church’s structural makeup, the weight of the panels will not place an
undue burden on the supporting beams.
D19. Does your
project accelerate or
expand on existing
programs that
already show
positive impact?
(150 word limit)
Thanks to savings from the solar project, St. Joseph’s CME Church and the
Jackson Center are expanding vital community efforts. Heavenly
Groceries, the church’s food ministry, provides fresh food across four
counties, addressing rising food insecurity in the region. To help residents
remain in their homes amid increasing property taxes from commercial
development, the church and the Jackson Center offer homeowner grants
and have successfully lobbied Orange County for additional tax support.
They’ve also launched a home repair program that helps elderly neighbors
stay safe and rooted through quality rehabilitation by local contractors and
organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and Self Help.
This program strengthens both residents and the local economy, providing
employment opportunities and fostering deeper community ties. These
initiatives, which solar-driven savings will bolster, are essential to
preserving the vitality and character of the Northside neighborhood amid
mounting financial pressures.
D20. Does your
project take
advantage of other
funding sources? If
yes, please describe.
(150 word limit)
The solar installer for this project, NC Solar Now, has offered a discount of
$3,744 off the project’s final cost. SolarEquity is extremely grateful for the
$50,000 that OCNC provided for this project in the 2024 grant cycle. Since
receiving that grant award, we have applied, unsuccessfully, to several
other grants to finance our St. Joseph’s Solar Project. Several factors
created difficulties as we sought these funds. These grants were all highly
competitive and often non-specific, with hundreds of applicants pursuing
diverse types of projects across the country. Additionally, it was
challenging to find funding sources earmarked for energy projects in
religious settings. W e found that most funds allocated for religious
development go directly towards churches, not third-party non-profits that
work to help them (like SolarEquity).
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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)
Successfully completing the roof replacement and solar installation at St.
Joseph’s CME Church, expected in early 2026, will further solidify
SolarEquity’s credibility. As a student-led organization, we sometimes face
skepticism from funders about our capacity to deliver on ambitious
projects. However, each successful installation strengthens our track
record and builds confidence in our ability to execute. W hile we’ve already
facilitated the solarization of 17 Habitat for Humanity homes and the
PEACH Apartments, this project marks another critical milestone—one that
can help us qualify for and ultimately secure more competitive grants and
attract new funding streams, including corporate partnerships.
Demonstrating our ability to complete complex, community-centered
installations like this one is essential to scaling our impact.
D22. Please
describe any other
aspect of your
project that is
relevant to the
efficient use of grant
funds. (150 word
limit)
SolarEquity doesn’t pay wages to its volunteers, so all granted funds will go
directly towards the St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project. SolarEquity
will help the Church’s leadership claim Inflation Reduction Act incentives,
combining the standard 30% solar tax credit (received as direct pay due to
its tax-exempt status) with an additional 20% credit through Category 4 of
the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program. SolarEquity intends
to measure income levels for the area by analyzing the percentage of
people who qualify for LIEAP aid, proving that the project is eligible for the
bonus tax credit. Due to policy uncertainties, it is possible that we will not
receive all the expected IRA tax credits.
Assuming the successful claiming of the tax credits, the Church will send
$33,000 back to SolarEquity, which we will reinvest in the Northside
Neighborhood to continue lowering the energy burden of community
members through solar projects.
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)
SolarEquity was a major stakeholder in the solarization of 17 HFH homes in
Hillsborough, NC, fundraising $10,000 and soliciting the donation of 260
panels. SolarEquity also spearheaded the installation of a 42kW system on
EmPOW ERment’s PEACH Apartments. Funds came from the Orange
County Community Climate Action Fund, Fulbright Bank, Cypress Creek
Renewables, and a bevy of individual donors. Currently, the PEACH
Apartments project is undergoing a connection issue. Southern
Environmental Law Center is handling the case, and we will hopefully hear
soon on whether SolarEquity, alongside NC Solar Now, will meter
individually or through one master meter.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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 installation of rooftop solar on St. Joseph's CME Church will have
positive impacts in both the short and long term. Once installed, the system
will provide an estimated 28,431 kW h of energy annually, mitigating over
$1,253 in energy costs. These savings will continue to accrue over the 25-
year lifetime of the panels and be reinjected into the Northside
Neighborhood, stimulating higher home retention rates and preserving the
Neighborhood’s complex history. Moreover, the system will prevent 1.038
million pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere over 25 years.
Although the effects of mitigated carbon emissions are less concrete, they
will reduce air pollution in the area and improve the health of those living in
areas surrounding local power plants. These impacts will begin to take
place as soon as the solar is installed, which should occur in early 2026.
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)
NC Solar Now is a trusted solar installer in the state of North Carolina.
Recently, they have designed and installed systems on homes across
Orange County, W est Raleigh Presbyterian Church, the Inn at Governors
Club, and iPearl Inc. They have helped several non-profits solarize
buildings and are eager to play a role in solarizing affordable housing, as
evidenced by their generous discounted prices to the PEACH Apartments
project.
W hile St. Joseph's CME Church does not have experience with solar
projects, they have a vast knowledge of Chapel Hill’s Northside
Neighborhoods and balancing the community’s development with historical
conservation. The Church has been steadfast in serving the community
since 1898. In terms of the project at hand, the Church has been influential
in tailoring the solar system to the needs of the community. The Church is
truly the perfect representative for the target population.
D26. Have your
collaborators/partners
completed projects of
this type in the past?
No
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
D27. Please
describe any other
relevant expertise or
capacity to carry out
the project in your
application. (250
word limit)
SolarEquity has expertise in solarizing structures owned by non-profit
entities in Orange County. In 2023, SolarEquity began the process of
raising funds for the installation of solar on EmPOW ERment’s PEACH
Apartments. For this project, SolarEquity conducted preliminary site work,
worked with NC Solar Now to develop a series of solar proposals, devised
legal billing and ownership models, and worked with EmPOW ERment to
raise $95,000 to fund the installation of solar on the PEACH Apartments.
Although the construction of the PEACH Apartments was delayed by
several months, this does not reflect on SolarEquity’s capacity to meet
deadlines, as the delay pertained to legalities surrounding a single meter
installation. SolarEquity spent 2021 and 2022 working with Habitat for
Humanity, East Chapel Hill Rotary, and Southern Energy Management to
solarize 17 Habitat for Humanity homes in Hillsborough, NC. SolarEquity
itself acquired 260 donated solar panels and raised $10,000 to assist in
installation costs. These experiences have prepared SolarEquity to install
solar on St. Joseph's CME Church in a timely and effective manner.
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)
SolarEquity has completed over 30 grant applications over the last three
years, but we have suffered with our success rate due to a lack of
community cachet and proof of successful projects, given the
organization’s short history. SolarEquity’s small size and limited project
portfolio will allow the organization to dedicate nearly all of its time and
resources to executing the proposed solar project in a timely manner.
SolarEquity understands the responsibilities of overseeing a successful
solar project and the difficulties of raising capital. The relationship with the
project’s stakeholders and grant coordinators are paramount to the future
of the organization.
D29. Please
describe one to three
key partnerships/
collaborations that
add the most value to
the success of the
proposed project.
(250 word limit)
Our Partnership with Jackson Center:
The Jackson Center plays an integral role in the St. Joseph's CME Church
Solar Project. The Jackson Center is located adjacent to the Church and is
a hub for creative action dedicated to preserving the future of the Northside
Neighborhoods. If the Church is the heart of the community, the Jackson
Center is the network of veins that ensures each part of the community is
thriving. To support this project, the Jackson Center has provided
SolarEquity with the necessary demographic data and offered our members
the opportunity to become involved with Northside’s plentiful volunteer
opportunities.
Our Partnership with NC Solar Now:
NC Solar Now is a trusted solar installer in the Triangle and is partnering
with SolarEquity on the St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project. Along with
SolarEquity, NC Solar Now has met with the Church congregation and
Northside residents to tailor the solar project to their specific wants and
needs. NC Solar Now has designed the solar project and will also be
responsible for its installation.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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?
Our organization is run primarily by student volunteers. W e hired an
accountant based in Mebane, NC, and the members of our board of
directors are from various parts of North Carolina, including Orange
County. SolarEquity has subcontracted the local company NC Solar Now to
complete the installation.
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)
NC Solar Now does not purchase any of its materials from sources within
Orange County. The only component of the project that is purchased from
within the county is the permit. The roof repair will be completed by a local
roofer, Full Circle Exterior Solutions, who will use local labor but not
materials.
D33. Please
describe any other
aspect of your
project that is
relevant to local
economic
development. (100
word limit)
The solarization of St. Joseph’s CME Church will cut energy bills by $104
per month, freeing $1,253 annually. Assuming 80% of this is reinvested
locally, and using a local economic multiplier of 5, the project will generate
$7,045 in annual community impact. If instead directed toward church
initiatives—many of which provide essentials like food and toiletries—
these savings can help lower poverty levels in the Northside neighborhood.
W hether through direct spending or charitable programs, the solar project’s
savings will circulate locally, supporting both economic growth and
community well-being.
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
D34. Please
describe the target
population to benefit
from the project. (200
word limit)
The St. Joseph’s CME Church Solar Project directly benefits the church’s
congregation and indirectly supports the broader Northside neighborhood.
Church members—primarily non-student Northside residents—are
responsible for covering energy bills, which can reach $400 per month. By
reducing these costs, congregants will no longer need to divert disposable
income to power the church, freeing funds for personal or community use.
If donations remain stable, the Church can reinvest energy savings into
programs that support the Northside community both spiritually and
financially. These include initiatives providing essential goods and
services, like their food ministry and property tax assistance.
This project primarily serves the St. Joseph’s congregation, which reflects
the broader neighborhood demographics: 69% of non-student households
are households of color. The Northside neighborhood is historically Black,
home to families who have lived in Chapel Hill for generations. Though
SolarEquity lacks precise income data due to privacy limitations, the area
contains homes valued below average prices in Chapel Hill and Carrboro,
suggesting that it is an economically marginalized community.
By reducing financial pressure on the church and its members, the project
strengthens both the institution and the community it serves, ensuring that
resources remain within the neighborhood to support long-term resilience
and equity.
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)
230
D35b. Please
describe how you
arrived at this
number. (200 word
limit)
230 is the number of members of the St. Joseph's CME Church. W e
received the numbers from the church leadership based on how many
people use the church's services. Additionally, we expect the 1,700 people
who reside in the Northside Neighborhoods to indirectly benefit. The overall
Northside Neighborhood numbers are based on the census data collected
by the Jackson Center.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
D36. Please
describe how you will
engage with and/or
educate project
participants and/or
the community. (250
word limit)
From the outset of this project, SolarEquity has been committed to initiating
and maintaining sustained engagement with the church congregation and
broader Northside community. Months of dialogue with the church
leadership and the Jackson Center culminated in our first town-hall-style
community meeting at the church, where the entire congregation was
invited and encouraged to participate in shaping our project’s plans. During
the meeting, we distributed technical assistance packets to cultivate an
understanding of solar and energy among the community. Our team also
took the Jackson Center’s audio tour to better understand the
neighborhood’s history and the St. Joseph’s CME Church’s role within it.
After the project’s completion, SolarEquity will remain involved. W e plan to
host follow-up meetings and interviews, and participate in church services
and events. W e will also provide ongoing support, system monitoring, and
educational outreach. SolarEquity plans to collaborate with the Jackson
Center to track the project’s influence on residential solar adoption and
energy awareness across Northside. Finally, we will share the
neighborhood’s story with the broader UNC Chapel Hill student body. W e
hope this will foster meaningful connections between UNC students and the
neighborhood’s long-term residents.
D37. How will you
measure the success
of that engagement
or educational effort?
(200 word limit)
SolarEquity’s education and engagement efforts, and the corresponding
evaluations of their success, are divided into two distinct sections.
First, we will measure the efficacy of the technical assistance packet by
tracking the number of structures in the Northside Neighborhood that adopt
solar in the 3 years following the church’s adoption of solar. The technical
assistance packet outlines the benefits of solar from an environmental and
financial standpoint. Furthermore, the packet highlights the lack of
maintenance required to maintain a solar project. W e will know if the
technical assistance packet and educational efforts were successful if
Northside denizens take the benefits to heart and decide to adopt solar on
their own accord. W e plan on lobbying the Jackson Center to track the
number of solar projects in the neighborhood in their bi-annual censuses.
W e will evaluate the success of the organization's engagement efforts in
the Northside Neighborhood with service opportunity participation. For the
next three years, we set the expectation that SolarEquity participates in
three community service initiatives in the Northside Neighborhood per
semester. At least five SolarEquity volunteers must attend the service
opportunity for it to register as a successful service day.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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)
The installation of rooftop solar on St. Joseph's CME Church will require
little to no maintenance while alleviating the church’s energy burden over
the next 25 years. The intended impact of this project transcends the
Church itself. St. Joseph's will consider this project a success if it becomes
a catalyst for widespread adoption of solar across the Northside
Neighborhoods and LMI communities in the county. Habitat for Humanity
and EmPOW ERment Inc. have cultivated solar in the residential space,
and the church can now set a new precedent for the adoption of renewable
energy on non-residential buildings. W ith their experience, SolarEquity
joins these entities in the start of the solar movement in Chapel Hill. This
band of organizations holds immense potential and responsibility to diffuse
the benefits of solar to those who are similarly burdened by energy costs
and climate-related disruptions. SolarEquity is committed to ensuring this
group reaches said potential.
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 installation of rooftop solar on St. Joseph's CME Church will have
positive impacts in both the short and long term. Once installed, the system
will provide an estimated 28,431 kW h of energy annually, mitigating over
$1,253 in energy costs. These savings will continue to accrue over the 25-
year lifetime of the panels and be reinjected into the Northside
Neighborhood, stimulating higher home retention rates and preserving the
Neighborhood’s complex history. Moreover, the system will prevent 1.038
million pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere over 25 years.
Although the effects of mitigated carbon emissions are less concrete, they
will reduce air pollution in the area and improve the health of those living in
areas surrounding local power plants. These impacts will begin to take
place as soon as the solar is installed, which should occur in early 2026.
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
SolarEquity_Annual_Budget.pdf
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
SolarEquity_Project_Budget.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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
SolarEquity_990.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
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
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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.
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
‘Submit'. Your email service provider will sometimes try to predict incoming
spam mail on your behalf and filter it into your spam folder before you ever
see it. If you're not receiving expected emails from
notifications@email.submittable.com, you will want to safelist the address
to help ensure that these emails reach you. Safelisting an email address
means explicitly telling your email service provider that emails from
notifications@email.submittable.com are not spam or junk mail. How can I
safelist notifications from Submittable?Orange
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)
25
Project Impact
Lifetime (years)
Comments
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
GHG Reduction
(Annual, metric tons
CO2e)
5.9
GHG Reduction
(Annual, metric tons
CO2e) Comments
This is based on the embedded table calculations and not those provided
by the applicant. These numbers were also the staff-adjusted estimates
from last year's application.
GHG Reduction
(Lifetime, metric tons
CO2e)
148
GHG Reduction
(Lifetime, metric tons
CO2e) Comments
This is based on the embedded table calculations and not those provided
by the applicant. These numbers were also the staff-adjusted estimates
from last year's application.
# of people served in
one year
230
# of people served in
one year comments
GHG Data Complete checked
GHG Data
Comments
GHG reduction is based on the embedded table calculations.
Other Staff
Comments
This project was considered new by applicant but is really a continuing
project.
BOCC & CFE Review Data and Notes
Overall Comments
from HRC (BOCC
Report)
Northside is repeatedly denied resources to improve it for elderly and
minority residents and instead was gentrified for the student population. As
this is more for the residents that are not students, and provides a means
of saving them money or putting their money towards better community
activity, this is valuable. Additionally, this project also may be able to help
connect the energy from that historic community hub to residents in the
future if rules change on energy interchanges.
Concerns included: Manufacturing of solar panels is a very socially and
environmentally unjust endeavor. It involves child labor in Congolese cobalt
mines, devastating lithium mining, and toxic waste from rare earth/heavy
metal mineral processing. The panels are often then assembled in China
using child/slave labor.
This does impact a limited number of low-to moderate-income Black
families who are specifically in this congregation and feels more like a
symbolic act than significant impact to the parishioners (based on their
cost-savings for energy). A lot of assumptions made about increased
adoption among neighbors, for example. I do appreciate congregants being
part of the discussion.
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Recommended
Application
checked
CFE Recommended
Funding (enter $0 if
not recommending)
28000
Application Ranking 12
Overall Comments
from CFE Meeting
(BOCC Report)
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.
Notes for Applicant
Contracting
Award Amount
(Format as follows:
$XX,XXX.XX)
$28,000.00
Does this applicant
have a W 9 and EFT
in the system?
Yes
Correctly Submitted
Contracting
Documents:
Contracting Status
Vendor Number
Grant Project Implementation
GHG Reduction
(Annual, metric tons
CO2e) / GHG
Reduction (Lifetime,
metric tons CO2e)
have adjusted.
unchecked
Post Award Status
Comments
Award Tracker Notes
Grant Project Completion
Payment Complete.unchecked
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Final Reported GHG
Reduction (Lifetime,
metric tons CO2e)
Final Reported GHG
Reduction (Lifetime,
metric tons CO2e)
Comments
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Applicant Organization's Budget
Actual Total for
Previous Year
Estimated Total
for Current Year
Projected Total
for Next Year
Percent
Change
17,500$ 23,045$ 25,000$ 8%
-$ -$ 0
-$ -$ 50,000$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
680$ 9,466$ 12,000$ 26.77%
18,180$ 32,510$ 87,000$ 168%
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
2,948$ 2,396$ 1,500$ -37%
-$ -$ -$ 0
10,000$ 19,976$ 28,410$ 42%
12,948$ 22,372$ 29,910$ 34%
5,232$ 10,138$ 57,090$ 463%
Travel & Training
Other Expenses: Project Expense
ORGANIZATION NAME: SolarEquity Inc.
Fundraising Initiatives
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):
2024-2025 OCNC OCCAG
AGENCY EXPENSES
Total Organization Revenue
Other Revenue:
(Most recent complete calendar year or fiscal year)
ORGANIZATION REVENUE
Ending Date: 12/31/2024Starting date: 01/01/2024
Total Agency Expenses
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:
FY 2018-19 Agency Budget
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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 -$ 50,000$ -$ -100%
-$ -$ -$ 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 -$ 50,000$ -$ -100%
PROJECT EXPENSES
Initial System Price -$ -$ 66,452$ 0
Roof Repair -$ -$ 11,799$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
-$ -$ -$ 0
Total Project Expenses -$ -$ 78,251$ 0
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:-$ 50,000$ (78,251)$ -257%
Project Budget
Other Revenue: please briefly explain here
PROJECT NAME: St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project
Use only if project is ongoing
FY 2018-19 Program Budget
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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.
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#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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
#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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG)Project Selection FY25-26January 20, 202617Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
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: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873
Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873