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8 <br /> Below is a set of expanded details for each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring.The quoted text <br /> was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications. Also summarized below are the comments <br /> from the HRC and the CFE, along with scores and funding recommendations. <br /> #1 Ranked Project—Trees for the Triangle —Tree Planting at Schools <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): Dedicated to Our Community of North Carolina (DOC NC) <br /> Funding Requested: $50,000 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $50,000 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 22.1 <br /> Project Description:Trees for the Triangle will use the funds to plant 260 native trees and distribute 2,600 seedlings <br /> across 13 schools in Orange County, promoting tree equity and environmental enhancement.The funds will support <br /> tree planting, data-driven site selection, and community engagement, prioritizing schools in rural, underserved areas. <br /> Project Benefits:This investment will create cooler, healthier, and more resilient communities for current and <br /> future generations,while increasing community engagement and access to green spaces. Economic development will <br /> be supported by showcasing career options for students, conducting skill-building activities, offering volunteer and <br /> internship opportunities and sourcing materials from local nurseries and businesses.The program is expected to <br /> benefit approximately 55,000 students and school staff over the lifespan of the trees. In addition, an estimated 6,300 <br /> people will benefit from the 2,600 seedlings distributed during educational presentations, including the students' <br /> families who receive seedlings, as well as school faculty and staff who frequently visit the schools. <br /> Reviewer Comments:The CFE strongly supports this project, praising its focus on benefiting Orange County schools <br /> and their surrounding communities.They value the lasting impact it will have through tree planting, which offers <br /> enduring environmental and social benefits. Similarly,the HRC appreciates the project's emphasis on rural Orange <br /> County schools, particularly those serving high-minority and low-income populations. Both commissions are <br /> enthusiastic about the educational opportunities embedded in the project and its overall positive impact on the <br /> community. <br /> #2 Ranked Project— Habitat for Humanity— Rooftop Solar <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): N/A <br /> Funding Requested: $100,000 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $50,000 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.7 <br /> Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County proposes to install rooftop solar panels on fourteen <br /> newly constructed affordable Habitat homes in Habitat's Weavers Grove Community in Chapel Hill. <br /> Project Benefits:The solar installations will help to address inequities in access to green technology in Orange <br /> County, while promoting environmental and resident health by decreasing the amount of fossil fuels burned. <br /> Limiting monthly energy costs is a critical component of housing affordability.The addition of a 5.4-kW rooftop solar <br /> system will save each qualified Habitat household approximately$780 per year in energy costs. <br /> Reviewer Comments:This project, submitted by a trusted and highly productive organization,was recognized as <br /> excellent by the CFE. However, partial funding was awarded to ensure the 2024 CCAG funding could support a <br /> diverse range of projects.The HRC values this initiative for its focus on providing affordable, energy-efficient housing <br /> to low-income and underserved communities. <br /> #3 Ranked Project— Empowerment— Rooftop Solar <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): SolarEquity Inc. <br /> Funding Requested: $19,800 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $19,800 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.9 <br />