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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-112-E-County Mgr-Upstream Works-Carolina Community CompostClimate Action Grant Program Revised 04/23 Page 1 of 10 COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION GRANT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into the fourth 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 Upstream Works, a not-for-profit corporation, located at 106 Drayton Court, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (“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 4, 2026 to March 4, 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 $ 21,300. 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 2 of 10 Rev.04/23 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 3 of 10 Rev.04/23 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 4 of 10 Rev.04/23 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 5 of 10 Rev.04/23 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 6 of 10 Rev.04/23 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 Upstream Works Attention: Amy Eckberg Attention: Carrie Donley P.O. Box 8181 Address: 106 Drayton Court Hillsborough, NC 27278 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Email:aeckberg@orangecountync.gov Email: hello@upstreamworks.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 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 3/6/2026 3/9/2026 Climate Action Grant Program Page 7 of 10 Rev.04/23 ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY ______________________________________________________________________________ Finance Information Vendor Name: Upstream Works Vendor Contact Person: Carrie Donley Phone: 13014617838 Address: 106 Drayton Court City Chapel Hill State: NC Zip: 27516 Department: County Manager Amount: $ 21,300 Purpose: Carolina Community Compost Budget Code(s): 61210335-803107-30052 Vendor # 69238 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 4, 2026 End Date March 4, 2028 Notice Date (Notice Purpose ) Award Approved by Board (Agenda Date: January 20, 2026); Made or Administered by Signature Authority - BOCC Express Delegation (Agenda Date: ) - Policy 9.4: Under $5,000; Service Under $90,000; Construction Under $250,000 - Budget Policy Section XV (Capital Improvement Project: ) Bidding Informal Bidding ($30k-$90k); Formal RFP ($90k+); Other (<$30k); Exception(# ) Department Affirmation This agreement is approved as to technical form and content and I as Department Director affirmatively state work on this project has not been initiated prior to execution of the agreement. Services related to this agreement have already begun or been completed. Description of the nature of the emergency condition that was addressed: Department Director’s Signature ________________________________________ Date: ________ Information Technologies This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications: Office of the Chief Information Officer___________________________________ Date: ________ Inapplicable because no hardware/software purchases or related services Risk Management This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements: Office of the Risk Management Officer___________________________________ Date: _________ Financial Services This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: Office of the Chief Financial Officer ____________________________________ Date: _________ Legal Services This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency: Office of the County Attorney __________________________________________Date: ________ Clerk to the Board All Docusign contracts must be copied to the Clerk upon completion: occlerkdocs@orangecountync.gov The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts: Received for record retention: Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 3/6/2026 3/9/2026 3/9/2026 3/9/2026 Climate Action Grant Program Page 8 of 10 Rev.04/23 Office of the Clerk to the Board __________________________________________Date:_________ Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 9 of 10 Rev.04/23 Exhibit A Community Climate Action Grant Application Board of Orange County Commissioners Agenda 1-20-26 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 10 of 10 Rev.04/23 Exhibit B Provider’s Revised Scope of Services and Program Budget N/A Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 11 of 10 Rev.04/23 Exhibit C Alternative Payment Schedule 1st quarter $7,153.75 2nd quarter $4,328.75 3rd quarter $5,488.75 4th quarter $4,328.75 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Climate Action Grant Program Page 12 of 10 Rev.04/23 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) Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 3/6/2026Program Manager Orange County Sustainability Powered by Submittable Title Carol i na Communi ty Compost by Carrie Donley in 2026 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant Application cdonley33@gmail.com 08/14/2025 id. 51354162 Post Award - New Vendor 01/23/2026 Score n/a W -9 Document Access a fillable W -9 here. Complete it and upload below. W -9 File Upload UW _W 9_2025.pdf Electric Funds Transfer (EFT) Form Access a fillable EFT here. Complete it and upload below. EFT File Upload OC_EFT_-_Direct_Deposit_Form_1.pdf 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. 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. Certificate of Liability Insurance File Upload 7-31-2025_292168_-_552995_NP_-_PS0000006361706_PS_FinalPolicyPacket_IL.pdf Forms of Liability Insurance and Minimum Policy Amounts Required Table 1. Forms of Liability Insurance and Minimum Policy Amounts Required.xlsx Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 I verify that the information submitted is accurate and true. checked Original Submission 08/20/2025 Score n/a Table of Contents: Section A. Applicant Organization’s Contact Information Section B. Collaborators and Partners Section C. Project Information Section D. Scored Criteria You can invite additional people to complete this form as a collaborator. Follow this link for additional information * The owner of this application (the person who started it and added the collaborators) is the only person who is able to submit. Once submitted, ownership is able to be transferred to another person. Click on Invite Collaborators. A Dialog box will appear, asking you to enter the email addresses of your collaborators. Enter those addresses, then click Invite. Invited collaborators will receive an email, letting them know you've invited them to collaborate on a draft submission using Submittable. In order to communicate with collaborators through the Submittable platform, all invitees must accept the invite BEFORE the owner of the submission (that's you!) hits Submit. After you've sent invitations to collaborate, you can click on the Invite Collaborators link again anytime to see the status of your invitations. In the row for each invitee who has not yet accepted their invitation, you will see a Pending indication. There will also be a trash can next to each person’s name so that the Submission Owner can remove anyone that they no longer want to collaborate on the submission. Section A. Applicant Organization’s Information A1. Organization’s Legal Name Upstream W orks — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost A2. Physical Address 106 Drayton Court Chapel Hill NC 27516 US 35.9272714 -79.0868347 A3. Is your mailing address different than your physical address? No A4. W eb Address (if applicable) upstreamworks.org A5. Preferred Phone Number +13014617838 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 A6. E-Mail hello@upstreamworks.org A7. Tax ID Number 82-5298960 A8. W here did you hear about this grant opportunity? Email A9. Have you applied to this grant opportunity before? No 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 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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 Carrie Donley A13. Primary Contact Title Project Director A14. Primary Contact Preferred Phone Number +16502480758 A15. Primary Contact Email Address cdonley33@gmail.com A16. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Linden Thayer A17. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Title Executive Director A18. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Preferred Phone Number +13014617838 A19. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Email Address hello@upstreamworks.org A20. Date of Incorporation (Month/Year): 04/2018 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 A21. Applicant Organization’s Purpose/Mission: (100 word limit) Upstream W orks Collaborative provides creative, accessible service solutions to help changemakers navigate complex challenges. W e support grassroots leaders, community initiatives, and early-stage nonprofits by offering the critical infrastructure they need to focus on their mission and create lasting impact. A22. Living W age: Does this organization pay employees a minimum living wage* (A living wage is $17.65/hr or $16.15/hr with employer provided health insurance.)? Yes A23. Is this organization an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer*? No A23a. If no, please explain why your organization is not an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer? (100 word limit) W e only had one employee until July 2025, so we hadn't applied previously. Our understanding is that Orange County Living W age closed its NFP in December 2024. Schedule of Positions: A24. Number of Full- Time Paid Positions: 2 A25. Number of Part- Time Paid Positions: 1 A26. Number of Volunteers: 200 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 B1. Are you working with any collaborators or partners on this project? Yes B1a. Collaborator Organization’s Legal Name CompostNow B1b. Date of Incorporation (Month/Year) February 2011 B1c. Collaborator organization’s Purpose/Mission (100 word limit) To rebuild the health of our soil by diverting waste from landfills and using it to create compost for our communities. B1d. Living W age: Does this organization pay employees a minimum living wage* (A living wage is $17.65/hr or $16.15/hr with employer provided health insurance)? Yes B1e. Is this organization an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer*? No If no, please explain why the organization is not an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer? (100 word limit) Although serves Orange County, the company is based in W ake County. Schedule of Positions: B1f. Number of Full- Time Paid Positions: 51 B1g. Number of Part- Time Paid Positions: 0 B1h. Number of Volunteers: 0 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 B2. Do you have another collaborator or partner to add? Yes B2a. Collaborator Organization’s Legal Name Collection of neighborhoods and one church in Orange County B2b. Date of Incorporation (Month/Year) N/A B2c. Collaborator Organization’s Purpose/Mission (100 word limit) These neighborhoods and one church have come together to help divert food waste from the landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The food waste is composted and applied to community gardens to augment the soil and grow food for low-income communities. Each neighborhood/church has a team leader who will communicate with residents/congregants about the program. Our ultimate goal is to create a strong foundation for a food waste collection program implemented county-wide. B2d. Living W age: Does this organization pay employees a minimum living wage* (A living wage is $17.65/hr or $16.15/hr with employer provided health insurance)? No B2e. Is this organization an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer*? No If no, please explain why the organization is not an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer? (100 word limit) W ithin the context of this grant, these neighborhoods have not previously had any employees. The one part-time staff member we plan to hire will be paid a living wage. Schedule of Positions: B2f. Number of Full- Time Paid Positions: 0 B2g. Number of Part- Time Paid Positions: 1 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 B2h. Number of Volunteers: 24 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) Carolina Community Compost C1b. Please describe the proposed project. (300 word limit) Two years ago, Carrboro’s FairOaks neighborhood received a Carrboro Green Neighborhood grant to launch a new composting program. The program uses centralized CompostNow collection bins paired with neighborhood education and training about composting. The community engagement, spread, and success of the program was an important element in Carrboro’s recent designation as an All-American City in 2025. Since then, the FairOaks Compost Program has recruited 6 additional neighborhoods in Carrboro to launch similar programs – supporting them with customized technical assistance and a program toolkit. These new neighborhoods are greatly expanding the impact of the FairOaks Compost Program — already tripling the amount of food waste collected and corresponding reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The FairOaks Compost Program proposes to take its successful model and expand its impact to 7 new Orange County neighborhoods and one church. Just as we have done in new Carrboro neighborhoods, we will advise neighborhood/church leaders who will customize their own programs using our proven toolkit and technical assistance. The compost produced will be paid forward to community gardens in low-income neighborhoods, teaching gardeners the importance of healthy soil and providing healthy produce for low income families. After 6 months, we will expand the program further in collaboration with Orange County and its 3 city jurisdictions through strategic placement of an additional 24/7 CompostNow bin in a county/city/community organization property adjacent to a low-income neighborhood. W e will hire a part-time Compost Ambassador from an adjacent low-income neighborhood to assist with outreach and education near this new bin. An Orange County Climate Action Grant for $30,478 is necessary to spread this remarkably successful program from a few Carrboro neighborhoods to numerous neighborhoods across Orange County. The ensuing expansion to more representative neighborhoods will lay a solid foundation for county-wide composting in the near future. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 C1c. Please describe your project’s benefits, including those that are quantifiable. (150 word limit) The project will have the following measurable benefits, projected to be: A total reach of 2178 — 1461 Orange County residents actively participating in food waste diversion, and another 717 benefiting from compost and fresh food donations. A diversion of 77 tons/year of food waste from the landfill, saving municipalities $4,620 in tipping fees. A 202 ton/year reduction in CO2 equivalent GHG emissions, generating $38,380 savings to society (EPA Social Cost of Carbon, 2023). Regular FairOaks surveys have confirmed the educational and social value of the composting program in addition to its obvious environmental benefits. Based on our surveys, we estimate that: Half of participants will have greater awareness of climate change factors and also make changes to their food choices (eg, less beef consumption). One third will get to know more of their neighbors. One fourth will increase their physical activity (through walking, biking, etc. to the bins). C1d. Please choose the best description for the type of project*: W aste Reduction/Circular Economy C1e. W hat is the main way that this project helps fight climate change? (select one): W aste Reduction C1f. Please select the jurisdiction(s) where your project is focused and briefly state how your project aligns with the relevant Climate Action Plans: Town of Carrboro/Town of Carrboro Community Climate Action Plan Town of Chapel Hill/Town of Chapel Hill Climate Action and Response Plan Town of Hillsborough/Town of Hillsborough Comprehensive Sustainability Plan Orange County/Orange County Climate Action Plan Please name the action items from the Carrboro Climate Action Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) Ecosystem recombination #3: Accelerate/expand organic waste collection/composting. Our project directly tackles one of the major challenges listed in Carrboro’s plan — the high cost of an educational campaign needed to inform residents about what can and cannot be composted. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Please name the action items from the Chapel Hill Climate Action Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) Action: Produce zero waste. W hile waste diversion rates have increased in Chapel Hill, the plan notes that a significant opportunity still remains as compostable materials continue to make up a large percentage of Chapel Hill’s waste stream. In fact, a 2025 Orange County waste audit found that 40% of the material in the Orange County waste stream was compostable. Please name the action items from the Town of Hillsborough Comprehensive Sustainability Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) Invest in public projects that contribute to sustained ecological health of the environment and natural systems in town. Please name the action items from the Orange County Climate Action Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) RC1.4 Identify future programs, initiatives, facilities, and infrastructure to achieve the zero waste goal, as defined by the county, while ensuring the long-term financial stability of the county’s solid waste and recycling program. RC1.5 Evaluate the potential of a curbside composting program, backed by a county level educational campaign on the importance and benefits of composting. RC1.5.1 Complete a feasibility study for a curbside composting program by 2028 as part of the county’s updated waste hauler agreement. RC1.5.2 W ork with the solid waste department to launch an educational campaign on composting benefits, in accordance with the 2023 — 2045 Solid W aste Master Plan. 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 30478 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 C4. Describe your proposed use of funds. (150 word limit) These funds will be used primarily to pay CompostNow for food waste pick up ($22,836.67). There are also funds budgeted for kitchen countertop compost bins ($1,525), and compostable liners ($880). New neighborhoods will likely need some funding for printing to get the word out about their program ($1,525) and to provide a small amount of food for kick-off educational events ($1,000). The church we are partnering with would like to start composting paper towels from their restrooms and we've budgeted funds to purchase trash cans specifically for paper towels ($200). W e would like to hire a part time staff member, and there are some funds to do that for a short period of time ($1,060). Finally, we are working with a non- profit fiscal sponsor and there are funds for them to accept the funding, track spending, and distribute funding to our neighborhood partners ($1,451.33). The total amount requested is $30,478.00 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) If we don't receive the full amount, we will strategically choose neighborhoods to participate. W e will base this decision on the demographics of the neighborhood (prioritizing more diverse neighborhoods), and the impact each neighborhood is expected to have through this program. 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). Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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) All residents of our neighborhood partners will be encouraged to participate in sorting and delivering food waste from young children to the elderly. Households and congregations not familiar with the role of composting in preventing GHG emissions would learn about this climate action strategy. Some of our current neighborhoods are more diverse than the average Carrboro neighborhood, including the 22 unit townhome community of Twin Magnolias on Jones Ferry; the W hispering Hills community, where median home prices are only $250,000; and the W ebbwood community that is considered among the most affordable neighborhoods in Carrboro. Designated community gardens like Baldwin Park in Northside, a low- income neighborhood in Chapel Hill, will benefit by receiving deliveries of free, high quality compost from CompostNow. The 5,000 square foot Giving Garden on Umstead Road in Chapel Hill will receive compost from the University United Methodist Church of Chapel Hill. Most of the produce grown at the Giving Garden is donated to TABLE, which provides healthy food and nutrition education to 1,100 low-income children in Orange County. All Orange County citizens will benefit from collecting and processing food waste into compost because methane, a potent GHG, will be kept out of the atmosphere. D2. W hat are the demographics of the area where your project takes place? (150 word limit) Our partners include the following neighborhoods. The percent of population that is non-white is indicated below. Barred Owl Creek (Carrboro - existing neighborhood): 52.7% Dogwood Acres (Chapel Hill - new neighborhood): 22% English Hill Lane (Hillsborough - new neighborhood): 14.4% FairOaks (Carrboro - existing neighborhood): 22.7% Falls of New Hope (Chapel Hill - new neighborhood): 12.2% Hilltop Condos (Chapel Hill - new neighborhood): 17.9% North Forest Hills (Chapel Hill - new neighborhood): 29% Quarterpath Trace (Carrboro - new neighborhood): 18.6% Twin Magnolias (Carrboro - existing neighborhood): 42% W ebbwood (Carrboro - existing neighborhood): 17.7% W hispering Hills (Carrboro - existing neighborhood): 72.4% Garden partners will include Baldwin Park Community Garden, where the surrounding neighborhood is 58.5% non-white. Orange county is 30% non-white. And Sampson county (that houses the landfill where our garbage goes) is 50% non-white. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 D3. Does your project help to address any racial disparities in the location it is proposed for? (200 word limit) All households in the Triangle have the option of contracting with CompostNow for food waste pickup. However, the monthly $39 charge makes the service out of reach for many, especially those with the lowest incomes. Food waste drop off programs are currently available at only three Orange County sites and three area farmer's markets. The location and hours of operation at these sites often makes them inaccessible to those with busy or atypical schedules. By providing grant-funded neighborhood composting, the option to keep food waste out of landfills becomes readily accessible to many more households as the cost per household is about one-tenth that of personal contracts with CompostNow. Free drop off sites within several blocks of a home have been found to increase household participation in food waste diversion programs significantly. In addition, we plan to place one new bin adjacent to a low-income, racially diverse neighborhood to further address racial disparity. Finally, this project would avoid sending food waste from Orange county (30% non-white; 12.4% poverty level) to Sampson county (50% non-white; 20.2% poverty level) where the landfill is located and methane is produced. D4. Please list any data sources used in reference to D1, D2, and D3 and show the steps of any calculations. (300 word limit) Demographic data was calculated with the help of information provided at Justicemap.org See the spreadsheet attached below for our demographics calculations. D4a. Optional file upload to show the steps of any calculations. OCCAG_Demographics_-_2025.xlsx 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) Over the last year, we worked to engage low-income and diverse neighborhoods in food waste diversion efforts. W e asked Carrboro to help us identify a neighborhood to participate in the program, and we independently contacted leaders of the Marion Cheek Jackson Center and the Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA). The feedback we received was that these neighborhoods were not currently expressing interest in participating in food waste diversion efforts. Based on that feedback, we determined that a pay-it-forward model is the best current strategy. W e will send the compost produced by neighborhoods participating in food waste diversion programs to gardens in low-income and diverse neighborhoods. W e will follow up with suggestions received, such as soliciting participation by including information about the program in the Jackson Center newsletter delivered to 850 low-income households. W e will also reach out to Habitat for Humanity neighborhoods and minority churches, especially those with community gardens. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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) In our efforts to incorporate food waste collection into low income communities, we may implement the program poorly because of racial differences, assumptions, and biases. In an effort to mitigate this we: - W on't make assumptions about thoughts and behaviors related to waste management practices in low-income and marginalized communities. - W on't go into a neighborhood assuming we know the best way to do things. Each neighborhood is composed of different people and circumstances that will make the neighborhood more or less receptive to certain messages, events, or feedback. - Ensure that all of our assumptions are field tested. - Establish direct communication with residents and congregants affected by the program to test thoughts and assumptions and to gather feedback about the program. - Start slow and build participation over time. One new CompostNow bin will be placed, and one compost ambassador hired part time, to assess the efficacy of this approach in a low-income, marginalized community. The bin will likely be placed adjacent to an existing community center or school. 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) Once new neighborhoods or congregations and their leaders are identified, the FairOaks Compost Leadership team will reach out to offer technical assistance. This includes sharing baseline assessment surveys of neighborhood composting practices and climate change awareness, but allowing each neighborhood to implement the program as they see fit. Once neighborhood knowledge levels and priorities are identified, neighborhood leaders will distribute educational emails and social media posts to community members who request to participate. A community event will be planned by local neighborhood leaders to distribute counter top compost bins and compostable liner bags. W e will share our hands-on demonstrations that show participating households what items to include in the compost bin and what items to avoid. Eye level signage at the collection bins will advise on what items to compost, what items to avoid putting in the bins, and where to place any discarded trash bags or other trash. After launching the program, follow-up emails and surveys will be shared with local leaders to identify any problems encountered by participants (from neighborhoods or the church). Any questions posed or problems identified will be addressed by local leaders, and when called upon, by experts on our project team. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 D8. During and after the project, what will your continued engagement with the impacted community be? (200 word limit) W e will work with the leaders of the identified communities to explain how existing composting programs in Carrboro, and across Orange County, function. W e will implement a common, online sign-up location, that will allow us to communicate with all participants. Occasional surveys and educational newsletters will be sent to evaluate performance and celebrate accomplishments. This shared form of communication will allow members of the FairOaks team to field questions and concerns from neighborhood and church leaders as they arise. Milestones among participating neighborhoods and organizations will be shared in order to reinforce positive behaviors in all neighborhoods. A website is already under development. Data across all communities will be shared among participants. The data gathered will help to inform Orange County Solid W aste about successful strategies to promote neighborhood composting to help eventual county-wide efforts to be more successful. D9. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Racial Equity. (200 word limit) Food waste composting programs are currently limited to scarce drop off sites, limited operating hours, and paid subscription services. This inherently restricts participation to those with complementary schedules, ready forms of transportation, or discretionary income to pay for a voluntary waste management program. Offering compost bins at sites that are readily accessible, convenient to use, and free are essential components of expanding participation in food waste composting programs. W hen householders can walk to neighborhood bins 24/7 or pass them at common spaces close to neighborhood entrances and egresses, it has been demonstrated that more residents will participate in composting programs. Increased collection and diversion of segregated food waste will reduce the amount of methane produced and emitted by landfills. This in turn reduces a potent driver of climate change, which adversely affects low income and racially diverse communities the hardest. Both the former landfill on Eubanks Road and the current landfill in Sampson County are the sites of long-standing environmental health and social justice issues. Efforts to reduce the amount of waste trucked to these facilities, and the amount of methane produced at these landfills, have large environmental and social justice and racial equity impacts. 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)? No Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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? Yes How many pounds of food waste are saved per year? Criterion 2_ Pound waste CO2e.xlsx D10e. Is your project nature-based? (For example, community gardens, tree plantings, soil health practices, and prairie restoration projects) Yes If you have a nature-based project, these tools can help you calculate greenhouse gas emission reductions: COMET-Planner W ebsite (http://comet-planner.com) Best for: Soil health, forest restoration, grasslands, conservation practices. Select state and land management practice - Get GHG reduction estimates per acre - User-friendly | - USDA- backed | - No login required i-Tree Tools W ebsite (https://www.itreetools.org) Best for: Tree planting, urban forestry, community canopy projects. Note: Requires tree species and location W ant help estimating your project’s emissions reductions? Orange County staff can assist! Email: sustainability@orangecountync.gov for support. How does your nature-based project reduce greenhouse gas emissions and what metrics can you share that help quantify this impact? (Example metrics are the number of acres restored and the number of trees planted) In addition to reducing methane emissions from landfills, this project reduces GHG emissions associated with food production because the compost produced is used to grow food locally in community gardens. Local food production reduces the vehicle miles traveled relative to the emissions produced by shipping food from other states or countries. Unfortunately, it is difficult to quantify the exact amount of emissions avoided by this mechanism. D10f. Does your project reduce emissions in some way other than what was listed above? Yes Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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) The project avoids adding food waste to the landfill, which would generate methane, a powerful GHG. CompostNow weighs each of our bins, giving us monthly data on pounds of food waste avoided in the landfill. CompostNow then estimates the amount of methane avoided escaping the landfill (.104 per pound of food waste) and the equivalent for CO2 avoided (25 CO2 equivalents per pound of methane over 100 years). Thus, we anticipate reducing CO2 emissions by 195.2 tons (155,400 x .104 =16,161 pounds of methane x 25 = 404,040 pounds of CO2 equivalent = 202 tons. In addition, by trucking food waste to Brooks Composting in Goldston, NC, instead of the landfill in Sampson county, we are reducing the number of miles that our food waste travels, further reducing emissions. 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.] 2020 D12. W ere any additional calculations required in coming up with the number entered above (this includes adding two or more numbers together)? Yes Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Please list any data sources used and show the steps of your calculations. Feel free to submit in a separate document if clearly labeled. (500 word limit) The details of how we avoid 202 tons CO2 equivalent emissions per year in terms of steps in calculation are listed in D10f. W e use only the one year impact of the project to estimate this number, although the behavioral changes are likely to have an impact over a decade or more. Assuming a decade of impact would increase that number to 2,020 tons CO2e reduction. These calculations are based on data from CompostNow and originate from EPA estimates. Of note, our calculations use imperial rather than metric tons. Also of note, we use the more conservative and commonly used estimate of 25 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions per pound of methane based on a 100 year time frame. If one were to use the EPA’s estimate for CO2 equivalents based on a 20 year time frame, the calculation would be 85 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions per pound of methane. (Reference: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding- global-warming-potentials) Option file upload to show additional calculations. D13a. How many YEARS will this emissions reduction take place as a result of your project? Please consider the expected lifetime of the technology/program/impact, etc. Note: Solar installations should enter 25 years as the project lifetime. 10 D13b. Please explain how you came up with the number of years in the previous question and add any other relevant information. Please list any sources used. (200 word limit) W e anticipate that the behavior changes that people learn through this project will stick with them for an average of 10 years. The methane produced during this year of the project will persist in the atmosphere for 9-12 years depending on atmospheric conditions. The methane will break down into CO2 which will last in the atmosphere for centuries. So the impact of one year of food waste diversion will still have an impact on the environment after 100 years. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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) The emissions reduction will be from food waste diverted in Orange County. County waste is currently trucked to Sampson County for disposal. Orange County has a population that is 30% non-white and a poverty rate of 12.4% (https://datausa.io/profile/geo/orange-county-nc). Sampson County has a population that is 50% non-white and a 20.2% poverty rate (https://datausa.io/profile/geo/sampson-county-nc). Trucking household waste from Orange County to Sampson County is the type of policy that contributes to racial and socioeconomic inequities and environmental injustices that Orange County desires to avoid. This program would help reduce some of those inequities directly by eliminating an estimated 77.7 tons of household waste from the Sampson County landfill, along with the 202 tons of CO2 equivalent GHG emissions. 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) The project will avoid adding 77.7 tons of food waste to the Sampson County landfill, saving municipalities $4,662 dollars in avoided tipping fees ($60/ton) along with other environmental benefits. Sampson county is about 100 miles from Chapel Hill, while Brooks Composting in Goldston is only about 35 miles from Chapel Hill. So the distance that the food waste will travel is less when composting as compared to taking it to the landfill, further saving on emissions. 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? No 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 (Ongoing) (6).xlsx Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Optional file upload for project impact calculations. OCCAG_Impact_-_2025.xlsx D17. Are there additional impacts? Yes Please describe the additional units of impact your project has. There aren’t quantifiable additional units of emissions, but see D22 for additional benefits of the project. 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) Avoided tipping fees for Orange County = $4,662/year (based on $60 per ton that municipalities pay for household waste disposal in Sampson county). W e estimate additional avoidance of tipping fees of $46,620 over an additional decade, which would give a total savings from avoided tipping fees of $51,282 for 11 years. Even if we assumed very conservatively that only 25% of participants continued to compost for 10 years after the completion of the grant, the savings would be $16,317 over 11 years ($4,662 from the first year and $11,655 from the remaining 10 years). In addition, there are costs borne to society for CO2 emissions, such as the cost of disasters/property and infrastructure damage, reduced crop yields, and increased health care costs due to the impacts on health, etc. W e estimate a 202 ton/year reduction in CO2 equivalent GHG emissions, generating $38,380 savings to society, based on recent EPA calculations of $190/ ton of CO2 (EPA Social Cost of Carbon, 2023) D19. Does your project accelerate or expand on existing programs that already show positive impact? (150 word limit) Most certainly. As stated earlier, the project accelerates the expansion of the highly successful FairOaks Composting program and its recent growth to 6 additional Carrboro neighborhoods. W ith this additional funding, we will expand the program to include 7 new Chapel Hill and Hillsborough neighborhoods and a church in Chapel Hill. These new neighborhoods/church can help promote the spread of composting within the 2 additional towns in the future, and act as a stepping stone to help Orange County Solid W aste implement a county-wide program in the future. D20. Does your project take advantage of other funding sources? If yes, please describe. (150 word limit) For the first ~5 months of the project, our 5 existing Green Neighborhood funded neighborhoods will continue to use Green Neighborhood funds until they expire. Thus, approximately $3,683 will come from Carrboro Green Neighborhood Grant funds this year. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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) W e will ask participating neighborhoods to seek matching funds from their HOAs for the following year to continue the program, and to eventually make the cost part of their annual budget after proof of concept supported by this grant. Please note that only higher income neighborhoods will be able to participate in this way, and the only truly equitable way to implement a program like this is through either continued funding from Orange County or implementation of food waste collection on a county-wide basis. Nevertheless, successful completion of this project should position us favorably to seek other grant funding. D22. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to the efficient use of grant funds. (150 word limit) Regular surveys of FairOaks Composting participants have confirmed the educational, behavioral change, and social value of the composting program in addition to its immediate environmental benefits. Based on our surveys, we estimate that half of participants (from the neighborhoods or the church) will have greater awareness of climate change factors and also make changes to their food choices (eg, less beef consumption), a third will get to know more of their neighbors thereby increasing community resilience, and a fourth will increase their physical activity (through walking, biking, etc. to the centralized bins). W e've also observed in FairOaks that the neighborhood has become more informed about and engaged in local politics creating a greater sense of agency within the community. Making climate change mitigation strategies easy, accessible, and relevant to individual actions is another benefit. These benefits will last well beyond the one year grant period. Criterion 4 - Capacity of Applicant This criterion has a maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). D23. Has your organization completed projects of this type in the past? Yes If so, what funds were used? (100 word limit) Carrboro’s Green Neighborhood Grant for 3 grant cycles/years, totaling $7,500 for FairOaks. Other existing neighborhoods have participated in the Green Neighborhood program for 1 or 2 years. D24. Have you completed similar projects in the past and successfully met the proposed budgets and timelines? Yes Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Please provide a description of similar past achievements or projects and evidence of successfully meeting proposed budgets and timetables. (150 word limit) The FairOaks Composting program successfully met all deliverables and came in at budget for the 2023 and 2024 Carrboro Green Neighborhood Grant program. W e are currently mid cycle in the 2025 Carrboro Green Neighborhood Grant program, which is funding our expansion into 5 total Carrboro neighborhoods, and are on track for completion of our deliverables and under budget. (Note, there are 2 additional Carrboro neighborhoods that are currently self-funded, but used our model to get started.) 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) Since 2011, CompostNow, founded in Raleigh, has been creating a more circular system by diverting food waste from landfills and using that to create nutrient-rich compost — including in Orange County. CompostNow has grown to serve 4 metropolitan areas in 3 states. They not only provide reliable pickup of food waste each week, but also monthly detailed data on the weight of food waste collected that month along with calculations of GHG emissions avoided. D26. Have your collaborators/partners completed projects of this type in the past? Yes If so, what funds were used? (100 word limit) Carrboro’s Green Neighborhood Grants for 3 funding cycles, totaling $7,500 for FairOaks. Four other Carrboro neighborhoods have been funded through the Carrboro Green Neighborhood grant program for either 1 or 2 years as well. All of these neighborhoods are using CompostNow for their food waste pickup and measurements. D27. Please describe any other relevant expertise or capacity to carry out the project in your application. (250 word limit) The project director, Carrie Donley, and her 9-member leadership team have piloted this program and overseen implementation in 6 other neighborhoods using resources we've developed. In addition, the FairOaks leadership team has deep connections to Orange County leaders and community resources, especially those related to environmental protection and justice. For example, Randee Haven-O’Donnell has served as a Town Council member in Carrboro for 20 years and worked for decades as an environmental educator. Jane Danielewicz and Greg Randolph serve on Carrboro’s Climate and Environmental Advisory Commission. Haven- O’Donnell and Randolph also serve on the Orange County Climate Council. Cindy Shea founded the Sustainability program at UNC and worked there for 24 years. Haven-O’Donnell, Danielewicz, Randolph, and Shea all have a history of working closely with Carrboro’s Sustainability Director, Amy Armbruster. Finally, Carrie Donley has been the visionary, founder, and champion of the Composting program in Carrboro. In 2025, Donley was the recipient of the “Hometown Hero“ award by Chapelboro.com for creating a local movement for greater participation in composting. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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) Initially in all 7 neighborhoods we worked with in Carrboro, many residents are unsure about what items they can and cannot compost and how they can create a process to collect and temporarily store food waste in their kitchen that works for their family. Through our surveys of households about their questions and concerns, combined with our periodic educational sessions, we’ve been able to help residents overcome their initial concerns to become regular composters. For example, in FairOaks, we now have over half of households regularly composting — and that does not include a sizable portion of residents who already do backyard composting. Another challenge we faced was that, originally, Carrboro prioritized new Green Neighborhood grant applicants over continuation projects. However, due to our success and the desire for many new neighborhoods to join, Carrboro changed its selection process to allow us additional years of spread and sustainability. D29. Please describe one to three key partnerships/ collaborations that add the most value to the success of the proposed project. (250 word limit) One key partnership is with CompostNow, a Triangle area B corporation, whose mission is to rebuild the health of our soil by diverting waste from landfills and using it to create compost for our communities. The FairOaks program has a 2 year history of working successfully and collaboratively with CompostNow to provide composting access for 7 neighborhoods in Carrboro. In addition, our initial work has resulted in significant partnerships being built across Carrboro. In two years we've formed collaborations between strangers from neighborhoods across town. W e've also strengthened our collaboration with the Town of Carrboro where neighbors now feel they have more of a voice and a sense of agency related to the town's Climate Action Plan. These partnerships make a community stronger and more resilient, especially in times of crisis. W e hope this can happen across Orange County as well. W e believe Orange County is a place where people listen and talk to each other. Based on these recently created and significant neighborhood partnerships, we believe there exists an opportunity to strengthen relationships across neighborhoods county wide. 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? Unknown (please describe) Please describe what other funding might be used to support it within the next 5 years. (150 word limit) W hile we will certainly be looking at other funding opportunities, especially grants, we aren’t aware of any specific funding opportunities that would allow us to have neighborhoods in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough participate. Criterion 5 - Local Economic Development This criterion has a maximum score of 3 points (out of a total of 26 points). Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 D31. How many Orange County residents are employed by your organization? 1 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) Kitchen countertop bins will be purchased from Orange County Solid W aste. Compostable bin liners will be purchased through Fifth Season in Carrboro, with whom we've negotiated a large purchase discount. In addition, printing will be done locally either through Staples or the UPS store. Any food purchased for educational gatherings will be sourced locally. This amounts to 100% of our materials budget. D33. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to local economic development. (100 word limit) W hile CompostNow is based in Raleigh they work very closely with Orange County Solid W aste and have developed a great relationship over the years. W e also plan to hire a part-time staff member after 6 months of the program to work to implement food waste collection in a low income or more diverse neighborhood. Criterion 6 - Amount and Duration of Engagement This criterion has a maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). D34. Please describe the target population to benefit from the project. (200 word limit) There are four target populations that will benefit from our program: 1) The neighborhoods who engage in food waste diversion will learn what materials can be composted and how this practice reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 2) The gardeners at the local community gardens that will receive finished compost from CompostNow will learn the importance of using compost for soil health. 3) The people who receive food from these gardens will benefit from having healthy organic food to add to their diet. 4.) The people who work in community gardens, and those who walk or bike their food waste to CompostNow bins, will incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives. 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) 2178 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 D35b. Please describe how you arrived at this number. (200 word limit) 1) Neighborhoods engaged in food waste diversion: W e estimated that ~40% of households will participate in food waste diversion efforts. The average number of people/household in Orange county is 2.3, so we multiplied the number of households by 2.3. W e also included the ~250 people who eat at the church/month. Total of 1,461 people impacted. 2) W e anticipate working with at least three garden partners: Baldwin Park Community Garden, the Giving Garden, and the Carolina Campus Community Garden. Speaking with the garden organizers gave us the number of people who garden per year. If those people were also taking food home with them, we multiplied the number of gardeners by 2.3. If the garden mostly donated its produce, we just included the total number of gardeners. Total of 395 people impacted. 3) W e looked at the food distributed from these gardens. This is more difficult because some gardens donate some of their food to places like PORCH or TABLE, and it's hard to know the impact. Other gardens know how many people they distribute their food to, and we multiplied this number by 2.3 for number of people impacted. Total of 322 people impacted through food donations. SUM = 2178 D36. Please describe how you will engage with and/or educate project participants and/or the community. (250 word limit) W hen participants (from the neighborhoods or the church) sign up for the program, they will use a common sign-up form so that we can capture the email addresses of all participants. This will enable us to distribute a newsletter every other month that will provide updates on the project and our progress, will include compost tips and tricks, and will include information on other climate friendly activities that readers might want to adopt. This email list will also allow us to survey the participants (no more than three times per year) to get feedback, and to understand the impact of this project. For our new neighborhoods, we'll encourage neighborhood team leaders to organize some type of project kick-off event where they can educate people who are new to composting about what can be accepted, and how to keep smells down, etc. At this event, we've included a small budget for food to increase attendance, and to help build community. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 D37. How will you measure the success of that engagement or educational effort? (200 word limit) For our new neighborhoods, we will survey participants before and after they start composting to assess attitudes and knowledge around composting. This data will be correlated with participant's previous experience with composting. For example, we would expect someone who has never composted to have more misconceptions about composting. In addition, each neighborhood will receive monthly data from CompostNow. This provides information on the volume of food waste collected, its GHG emissions impact, and the amount of contamination experienced by neighborhood. This project is really a stepping stone on the way to our ultimate goal, which is to see food waste collection implemented county-wide. In the future, as Orange County works to implement food waste collection from all residents, less education will be required because of these initial neighborhood efforts. Orange County is growing rapidly. Carrboro has been named an All American City. This is the moment to grow existing efforts in a way that shows Orange County as a place that cares about its residents and the future. Funding this proposal is voting for a sustainable Orange County, for thoughtful growth of a community that is vibrant and will only grow more vibrant as projects like this are funded. 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 FairOaks project has had a number of unexpected benefits to our community. Surveys have revealed that participants feel a greater sense of community as a result of the project, and they report being more physically active because they're walking their compost to the common area in the neighborhoods. They also report finding new ways to further reduce their garbage (buying less plastic, etc.). In addition, there has been more engagement of the neighborhood on local government issues, and three of our compost leadership team members have run for seats on our HOA board. The FairOaks project has created a sense of agency in the neighborhood that wasn't there before, and is a real benefit to FairOaks, Carrboro, and Orange County. W e anticipate similar results to spread across Orange County with the expansion of this project. Criterion 7 - Time to Complete This criterion has a maximum score of 3 points (out of a total of 26 points). Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 D39. How long will it take your project to complete and demonstrate the positive impacts you describe? (200 word limit) Positive impacts from this project will be seen on day one because some of the neighborhoods are already participating in the project. New neighborhoods will likely take about 2 months to get organized before they start food waste collection. In the first month, we will start working to identify a low-income neighborhood that may want to host a bin, and a person from that neighborhood who we can hire as our part-time compost ambassador. W e intend to identify this neighborhood and staff member after 6 months. Our ultimate goal is to see food waste collection implemented county-wide, which would allow the most equitable access to this program. From the most recent Orange County Solid W aste Advisory Group meeting, it's clear that Orange County Solid W aste would like to implement such a program, but the timeline for doing so is not clear. W e're hopeful that our efforts will provide Orange County Solid W aste with some of the additional information needed to speed up the implementation process. Section 5. Attachments D40. Applicant Organization’s Budget Please complete your organization budget using the template that can be found here. Please submit the budget in PDF form. Applicant Organization’s Budget File Upload Organization_Annual_Budget.xlsx_-_Organization_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 Project_Budget-Carolina_Community_Compost-2025_v 2.pdf D42. IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns A copy of the applicant organization’s most recent IRS Form 990 or IRS Tax Return is required to determine eligibility. The specific form depends upon the applicant organization’s financial activity. Review the IRS guide for more details. For Form 990-N (e-postcard) filers, include a copy of the postcard, with the organization’s application materials. �� Redact/black out all sensitive information such as social security numbers, personal home addresses, and personal phone numbers from all individuals before uploading these documents. IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns File Upload UW C_2024_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. Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 W e welcome your thoughts on how to improve our application! Please add those thoughts below. It was nice to be able to use the submittable form to collaborate with other grant writers, but on multiple occasions we lost some of the information that we had entered. Perhaps if there were save buttons throughout the document it would be easier to save frequently. 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) 10 Project Impact Lifetime (years) Comments GHG Reduction (Annual, metric tons CO2e) 51.8 GHG Reduction (Annual, metric tons CO2e) Comments The applicant estimated 202 metric tons based on CompostNow estimates but that is significantly overestimated. ICLEI reviewed and suggested that the Food W aste Diversion would be ~5–50 MTCO e/year (depending on assumptions). W e are using the estimate from the embedded D10d table. GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) 518 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) Comments The applicant estimated 2020 metric tons based on CompostNow estimates but we are using the estimate from the embedded D10d table. # of people served in one year 2178 # of people served in one year comments GHG Data Complete checked GHG Data Comments Staff adjusted estimates. Other Staff Comments BOCC & CFE Review Data and Notes Overall Comments from HRC (BOCC Report) This is for expansion into low income communities, but not guaranteed—It's a strong initiative but it doesn't specifically address social justice and equity concerns; I do see value in reducing landfill usage as it often is (as in this case) impacts communities of color; however, this project has that impact mostly indirectly. Recommended Application checked CFE Recommended Funding (enter $0 if not recommending) 21300 Application Ranking 6 Overall Comments from CFE Meeting (BOCC Report) 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. Notes for Applicant Contracting Award Amount (Format as follows: $XX,XXX.XX) $21,300.00 Does this applicant have a W 9 and EFT in the system? No Correctly Submitted Contracting Documents: Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Contracting Status Vendor Number Grant Project Implementation GHG Reduction (Annual, metric tons CO2e) / GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) have adjusted. unchecked Post Award Status Comments Award Tracker Notes Grant Project Completion Payment Complete.unchecked Final Reported GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) Final Reported GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) Comments Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 FY 2018-19 Agency Budget Applicant Organization's Budget (Most recent complete calendar year or fiscal year) Starting date: January 2024 Ending Date: December 2024 ORGANIZATION NAME: Upstream Works ORGANIZATION REVENUE Actual Total for Previous Year Estimated Total for Current Year Projected Total for Next Year Percent Change Private Donations ($26,282) ($50,000) ($50,000) 0% Generated Revenue (fees, sales, etc)($82,773) ($85,000) ($150,000) 76% Local Government Grants (Please list individually): Wake County ($8,732) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 County of Durham ($-  ) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 Upper Coastal Plain COG ($3,300) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 County of Durham ($186,567) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 City of Durham Solid Waste Management ($200) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 Other Government Grants: Local Government ($-  ) ($10,000) ($25,000) 150% State Government ($-  ) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 Federal Government (CDBG/HOME/etc.)($-  ) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 Private Foundation Grants ($520,566) ($951,400) ($1,350,000) 42% Other Revenue: Please briefly explain here ($-  ) ($-  ) ($-  ) 0 Total Organization Revenue ($828,421) ($1,096,400) ($1,575,000) 44% AGENCY EXPENSES Compensation ($43,510) ($150,000) ($220,000) 47% Rent & Utilities ($8,107) ($9,000) ($9,000) 0% Supplies & Equipment ($953) ($2,500) ($1,500) -40% Travel & Training ($4,552) ($5,000) ($10,000) 100% Other Expenses: Fiscal Sponsorship Payouts, Consultants, Contractors($587,942) ($800,000) ($1,200,000) 50% Other Expenses: Business Expenses ($19,715) ($30,000) ($40,000) 33% Total Agency Expenses ($645,064) ($966,500) ($1,440,500) 49% SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:($183,356) ($129,900) ($134,500) 4% Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Use for all projects PROJECT REVENUE Actual Total for Previous Year Estimated Total for Current Year Projected Total for Next Year Percent Change Private Donations -$ -$ -$ 0 Project Generated Revenue:-$ -$ -$ 0 Local Government Grants (Please list individually): Orange County Community Climate Action Grant -$ -$ $30,478.00 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 Other Government Grants Local Government -$ 6,977$ 3,683$ -47% State Government -$ -$ -$ 0 Federal Government (CDBG/HOME/etc.)-$ -$ -$ 0 Private Foundation Grants -$ -$ -$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 Total Project Revenue -$ 6,977$ 34,161$ 390% PROJECT EXPENSES Compost Now pick-up fees -$ 6,977$ 26,520$ 280% Kitchen counter top bins -$ -$ 1,525$ 0 Compostable bin liners -$ -$ 880$ 0 Printing -$ -$ 1,525$ 0 Food -$ -$ 1,000$ 0 Trash cans for paper towels -$ -$ 200$ 0 Part time staff -$ -$ 1,060$ 0 Non-profit fiscal agent -$ -$ 1,451$ 0 Total Project Expenses -$ 6,977$ 34,161$ 390% SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:-$ -$ -$ 0 Project Budget Other Revenue: please briefly explain here PROJECT NAME: Carolina Community Compost Use only if project is ongoing FY 2018-19 Program Budget Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion A partnership between Wildflower Lane Farm and Table to use unused land at an undeveloped Orange County Park (Twin Creeks) to increase locally sourced, nutritious food to feed children served by Table. $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers Installation of sustainable stormwater management measures in historically underserved communities utilizing public HS teachers and students in a certified green infrastructure training program to implement these measures, especially in areas affected by tropical storm Chantal. $52,000 $38,000 21.35 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing Weatherization repairs for 11 homes $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program This initiative reduces energy burdens in Carrboro by providing residents with education, home energy audits, energy-saving kits, and guided access to rebates and electrification upgrades through trained community leaders, resulting in lower bills for over 230 households. $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000 seedlings, and offer workshops on climate-resilient tree care to expand the native tree canopy in low-equity, climate-vulnerable neighborhoods through a Pay- What-You-Can planting program. $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms 52-acre organic farm supplying high-quality produce year-round using soil-based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies seeks funds to transition from fossil-fuel dependence to renewable energy systems by replacing single phase with 3- phase power to enable solar installation. $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost Supplies, services, outreach materials and labor to expand a compost program into 7 new neighborhoods and 1 church $30,478 $21,300 19.70 2Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation Replacement of windows in 7 residential units with energy efficient models $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation Solar-powered well on nearby church property to provide sustainable, cost-effective irrigation that remains functional during drought or emergencies $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project Installation of a 23.4kW solar array on the roof of St. Joseph’s CME Church, located in Chapel Hill’s Northside Neighborhood $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes Native, climate-resilient landscaping for 10 affordable tiny homes of formerly homeless residents $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E- Bike Lending Library Program Extension of a previously successful E-bike program for an additional 8-12 months to offer E-bike experiences to more residents and staff. $25,920 $0 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program Pilot program to provide 20 income-eligible residents with vouchers for free e-bikes, reducing transportation insecurity and emissions. $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center Installation of highly efficient interior cellular shades on windows to boost the energy performance of the building $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care Introductory climate health education sessions for health professionals to reduce climate-related pregnancy risks, with a focus on extreme heat. $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC Installation of a 9.628 kW solar array with battery backup on a new barn extension to move toward net- zero energy use $25,000 $0 14.67 Total $619,095 $267,750 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The $267,750 funding for Community Climate Action Grants for FY 2025- 26 is designed to identify and support impactful projects, with a focus on accelerating meaningful action on the urgent issue of climate change. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:  GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate Action Plan. OBJECTIVE 3. Improve educational opportunities for County staff and community members on climate action and available resources to advance climate action projects.  GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY 3Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: 1. Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Commission for the Environment for the FY 2025-26 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program; and 2. Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY 2025-26. 4Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278  Telephone: (919)245‐2625   Attachment 1 Date:     January 20, 2026  To:     Board of Orange County Commissioners  From:    Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager  RE: Orange County Community Climate Action Grant – Project Descriptions, Scoring, and Comments for  General Applicants  For the 2025‐26 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $267,750 was  budgeted to support climate action projects that benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially.   In response to feedback from the Board in previous years, the Sustainability team continues its outreach efforts to  publicize the grant opportunity to broaden the applicant pool and increase community awareness of this impactful  climate action program. Staff conducted targeted outreach to local businesses, community groups, and nonprofits  through email campaigns, social media, newsletters, and other promotional media. Our applicant pool continues to  grow and diversify every year as a result of these efforts.  The Community Climate Action grant program received a  total of 16 applications in this round whose total requests added up to $619,095.   Following the scoring and eligibility guidelines established by the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC), the  applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations  Commission (HRC). The BOCC asked the Human Relations Commission to score the applications on the Social Justice  and Racial Equity criterion, as this pertains to their expertise and because the racial representation of the CFE as a  whole does not reflect the racial diversity of Orange County.   The following is a rank‐order summary table of the combined project scoring and funding recommendations. A full  table showing the scores for each project on each of the 7 scoring elements is included in the Appendix.  Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion A partnership between Wildflower Lane Farm and Table to use unused land at an undeveloped Orange County Park (Twin Creeks) to increase locally sourced, nutritious food to feed children served by Table. $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers Installation of sustainable stormwater management measures in historically underserved communities utilizing public HS teachers and students in a certified green infrastructure training program to implement these measures, especially in areas affected by tropical storm Chantal. $52,000 $38,000 21.35 5Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing Weatherization repairs for 11 homes $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program This initiative reduces energy burdens in Carrboro by providing residents with education, home energy audits, energy-saving kits, and guided access to rebates and electrification upgrades through trained community leaders, resulting in lower bills for over 230 households. $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000 seedlings, and offer workshops on climate-resilient tree care to expand the native tree canopy in low-equity, climate-vulnerable neighborhoods through a Pay- What-You-Can planting program. $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms 52-acre organic farm supplying high-quality produce year-round using soil-based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies seeks funds to transition from fossil-fuel dependence to renewable energy systems by replacing single phase with 3- phase power to enable solar installation. $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost Supplies, services, outreach materials and labor to expand a compost program into 7 new neighborhoods and 1 church $30,478 $21,300 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation Replacement of windows in 7 residential units with energy efficient models $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation Solar-powered well on nearby church property to provide sustainable, cost-effective irrigation that remains functional during drought or emergencies $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project Installation of a 23.4kW solar array on the roof of St. Joseph’s CME Church, located in Chapel Hill’s Northside Neighborhood $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes Native, climate-resilient landscaping for 10 affordable tiny homes of formerly homeless residents $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E- Bike Lending Library Program Extension of a previously successful E-bike program for an additional 8-12 months to offer E-bike experiences to more residents and staff. $25,920 $0 16.58 6Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program Pilot program to provide 20 income-eligible residents with vouchers for free e-bikes, reducing transportation insecurity and emissions. $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center Installation of highly efficient interior cellular shades on windows to boost the energy performance of the building $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care Introductory climate health education sessions for health professionals to reduce climate-related pregnancy risks, with a focus on extreme heat. $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC Installation of a 9.628 kW solar array with battery backup on a new barn extension to move toward net- zero energy use $25,000 $0 14.67 Total $619,095 $267,750 Below is a set of expanded details for each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring. The quoted text  was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications. Also summarized below are the comments  from the HRC and the CFE, along with scores and funding recommendations.  #1 Ranked Project – Table Ministries, Inc – Twin Creeks Farm Expansion  Applicant (Collaborators): Wildflower Lane Farm  Funding Requested: $50,000  Recommended Funding Level: $30,000  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.57  Project Description: A partnership with Wildflower Land Farm at Twin Creeks, an undeveloped Orange County Park.  The expansion funding sought will cover labor. TABLE provides weekly nutritious food to 1,125 children and plans to  expand service using organic produce grown through supplies, tools and equipment. The Twin Creeks partnership will  supply produce at a fraction of retail cost, enabling TABLE to feed more children and support local farmers.  Project Benefits: Increasing local sourcing at Twin Creeks will provide children with fresher, healthier produce while  strengthening revenue for small farmers. Reducing food miles from thousands to just five significantly lowers  emissions and environmental impacts. The project also promotes a sustainable, pesticide‐free food system that  improves long‐term health and climate outcomes. The project reduces food miles and waste, improves soil health,  supports pollinators, and reduces runoff—strengthening local climate and air quality.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE strongly supports this project but provided partial funding since the group has access  to other funding sources. HRC scored them #1. There is a high Orange County economic impact (for families who  receive food; all food grown locally) and social justice component.  #2 Ranked Project – Urban Sustainability Solutions – High‐School Students Installing Riparian  Buffers  Applicant (Collaborators): Burt’s Bees, Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ)  Funding Requested: $52,000  Recommended Funding Level: $38,000  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.35  7Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Project Description: Urban Sustainability Solutions will train teachers and youth in certified green‐infrastructure  curricula through afterschool and weekend programs. The program will end with planting projects to restore storm‐ damaged riparian buffers, with funds covering training stipends and implementation. Field work will include stream  cleanup, buffer restoration, and planting live tree stakes to stabilize stream banks, especially those damaged by  tropical storm Chantal.  Project Benefits: Restoring low‐lying areas with native vegetation will reduce erosion, stabilize soils, and protect  downstream low‐income communities from future storm impacts. These plantings will improve water quality in Bolin  Creek by filtering pollutants, increasing biodiversity, and boosting carbon sequestration. The project also safeguards  Jordan Lake’s drinking water by preventing sediment and nutrient contamination.  Reviewer Comments:  The CFE supports this request because it has strong educational and community connections. USS has a solid, proven  track record. The HRC appreciated that the community would be involved in this project.  The CFE deducted $14,000  that was for the administration of other grants.   #3 Ranked Project – Habitat for Humanity – Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $150,000  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.56  Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County will expand its Home Repair program to address  increased weatherization needs caused by Tropical Storm Chantal, in 11 older, vulnerable homes.   Project Benefits: Integrating weatherization into essential home repairs will lower utility bills for low‐income  households and reduce approximately 11 metric tons of emissions annually. Improved insulation, HVAC systems, and  windows will enhance indoor air quality, comfort, and resilience to extreme weather. Local contractors and materials  will support the regional economy while extending the lifespan of affordable housing.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE recognizes and values the proposed project and Habitat’s longstanding contributions to the  community. The CFE also noted that Habitat has access to a variety of funding sources and has previously received support  through this program ($300k). Given the limited funds available, the CFE is thoughtfully distributing resources across a range of  organizations, including smaller groups that may particularly benefit at this time. The HRC supports the initiative due to its  positive impact on low‐income residents and noted that additional information regarding how beneficiaries would be identified  or prioritized would be helpful.  #4 Ranked Project – Town of Carrboro – Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program    Applicant (Collaborators): Preserving Home Inc., Hope Renovations  Funding Requested: $29,145  Recommended Funding Level: $29,145  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.31  Project Description: This initiative trains community leaders to assist more than 230 high‐burden households in  cutting energy costs through education, home energy audits, hands‐on projects, and connections to weatherization,  rebates, and efficiency upgrades.  Project Benefits: Energy audits and education will help residents cut utility costs, lower emissions, and make  informed decisions about efficiency upgrades. The program is expected to reduce town‐wide energy use by over  249,000 kWh annually, equivalent to 67.4 metric tons of CO₂e. Households that act on recommendations will benefit  from long‐term energy savings and increased home value.  Reviewer Comments: Carefully thought‐out project with good metrics to measure success. Applicant is well suited to  carry out the project and the costs are relatively modest. Community outreach and partnerships are positive  8Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Project Description: Carolina Community Compost will expand its successful neighborhood‐led composting model to  7 additional Orange County neighborhoods and one church, significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas  emissions and supplying compost to community gardens in low‐income areas, improving soil health and access to  fresh food. A part‐time Compost Ambassador will support outreach and education for one new 24/7 CompostNow  bin placed near a low‐income neighborhood, helping lay the groundwork for broader countywide composting.  Project Benefits: Expanding to new neighborhoods will divert 77 tons of food waste and cut 52 tons of CO₂e,  annually, and reduce landfill fees for local governments. Participating households also gain climate education,  stronger social connections, and healthier habits. The compost produced will support community gardens, benefiting  more than 700 additional residents with fresh food and improved soil.  Reviewer Comments: Interesting project with qualified organizers that have implemented a highly successful  program with expansion opportunities. This project can easily accommodate partial funding. CFE is interested in  seeing how it works for its potential for broader adoption and impact.  #8 Ranked Project – Weaver Community Housing Association– Energy Efficient Window  Installation    Applicant (Collaborators): Farewell Earth   Funding Requested: $61,352  Recommended Funding Level: $61,305  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.64  Project Description: Weaver Community Housing Association (WCHA), an affordable community housing co‐ operative, seeks funding to replace 55 aging, inefficient, and leaking windows across seven cooperative housing  units. The project benefits 24 residents, including eight children, and will be completed with a long‐time local  contractor.  Project Benefits: Replacing failing, single‐pane windows will reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve  ventilation and indoor air quality for seven low‐income households. The upgrades will prevent mold, moisture  intrusion, and long‐term structural damage. These custom windows protect a unique affordable housing asset while  improving comfort and reducing climate‐related energy burdens.  Reviewer Comments: Fully funded because other organizations who applied for CCAG have access to other funding.  #9 Ranked Project  – Hillsborough Community Garden – Solar Powered Community Garden  Irrigation  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $18,000  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.27  Project Description: The Hillsborough Community Garden needs a reliable water supply independent of the town  system to remain functional during drought or emergencies. A proposed solar‐powered well on nearby church  property would provide sustainable, cost‐effective irrigation. This solution also models environmentally friendly  practices for other community gardens.  Project Benefits: All the produce grown by the Hillsborough Community Garden (HCG) for the past three years has  gone to food insecure families via PORCH Hillsborough, providing needed fresh vegetables to over 1000 people. At  our previous location in 2024 we grew and distributed more than 1500 pounds of fresh produce.  Reviewer Comments: CFE members support the idea of community gardens that feed others in need but were not  convinced a well would be needed in downtown Hillsborough. CFE also felt the GHG estimates might be too high.   The HRC mentioned that they would like to see communication with the communities supported by PORCH.  10Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 #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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 #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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG)Project Selection FY25-26January 20, 202617Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 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: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1 Docusign Envelope ID: 60C8120B-2E2C-4F19-BFBC-3ADFB6A6F8E1