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Eligibility: <br /> All public and non-profit entities are eligible to apply as well as small businesses whose gross revenues do <br /> not exceed $3 million annually. All proposed projects must demonstrate a positive impact on Orange <br /> County's residents and environment as described in the scoring criteria.All funds awarded through this <br /> grant program should be spent in Orange County. Before funds can be distributed, successful applicants <br /> must have the legal standing to enter into a contractual funding agreement with Orange County. Such legal <br /> standing is not required at the time of application. <br /> The Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) intends to use the Climate Action Fund to support <br /> projects that would not be completed without funding assistance. Existing projects and programs may be <br /> eligible if the applicant can demonstrate that Climate Action Funding would significantly accelerate the pace <br /> or amplify the scope of the project or program. Projects that contain repairs and replacement of necessary <br /> technology or infrastructure must show both energy efficiency improvements and demonstrate that the <br /> project is unlikely to be funded through another funding mechanism within the next 5 years. <br /> Scoring Process and Technical Assistance: <br /> For the FY 20-21 funding round,there will be a single open application period during the Fall of 2020 with <br /> project awards announced by the end of the January 2021. <br /> In addition to the guidance and online impact estimation tools provided,the Orange County Commission for <br /> the Environment (CFE) and supporting staff will respond to applicants' requests for clarification or technical <br /> assistance if submitted before the posted deadline for questions.Applicants are encouraged to ask for <br /> clarification and technical assistance as early as possible. Questions and requests for Technical Assistance <br /> should be directed to the Orange County Sustainability Coordinator, Brennan Bouma <br /> (bbouma@orangecountync.gov). <br /> Once the FY 2021 application period closes,the CFE will review and score all eligible projects using a formula <br /> that prioritizes social justice and racial equity.The CFE will consult with other experts or advisory boards on <br /> any or all submitted applications for the purposes of ensuring diversity and inclusion and to reinforce their <br /> scoring decisions. Upon request, comments from the reviewers on an application will be made available to <br /> the Board of Orange County Commissioners and/or to the party who submitted the application. <br /> The CFE will deliver a rank-ordered list of their recommended projects and scores to the Board of Orange <br /> County Commissioners who will make the final funding decisions. In this process,the CFE may recommend <br /> full or partial funding for their recommended projects. <br /> Scoring Criteria: <br /> Projects will be assessed by the CFE based primarily on the following criteria. Example metrics that can be <br /> used to assign scores under the criteria are listed below each one. Not all example metrics will apply to each <br /> project. <br /> Application reviewers will pay close attention to any objective and authoritative evidence supporting a <br /> proposed project.As you complete your application, please describe how your proposed programs align <br /> with evidence-based approaches to addressing climate change. <br /> 1. Social Justice and Racial Equity (0 to 5pts): <br /> Page 2 of 17 <br />