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<br />Page 19 of 24 <br /> <br />potential. Additionally, our team plans to reapply for the Orange County <br />Community Climate Action grant in future years to further expand the <br />Shade for Schools - Orange County program. This will enable us to include <br />more schools and enhance the work at schools that participated in the <br />initial round. <br />20. Please describe any other <br />aspect of your project that <br />is relevant to the efficient <br />use of grant funds. <br />The efficient use of grant funds is a core value of the Shade for Schools - <br />Orange County program. We maximize cost-effectiveness through the <br />extensive involvement of volunteers, which allows TftT to reach all 13 <br />schools effectively and economically. Our Board Members include highly <br />skilled environmental, sustainability, and community engagement experts, <br />including two Certified Arborists, who contribute their expertise pro bono. <br />Our experienced program partner, DOC NC, will provide voluntary support <br />for environmental education initiatives from students’ perspectives. <br />Additionally, by purchasing trees in bulk, we achieve significant cost <br />savings, and we further reduce expenses through donations of compost <br />and wood chips. This strategic approach ensures that grant funds are used <br />efficiently and that the program delivers maximum impact. Our team is <br />fully prepared to submit quarterly written progress reports, including <br />detailed expenses and financial and administrative management. <br /> <br />Criterion 4 - Capacity of Applicant <br />This criterion has a maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). <br /> <br />21. a. Has your organization <br />completed projects of this <br />type in the past? <br />b. If so, what funds were <br />used? <br />☒ Yes ☐ No <br /> <br />☒ Funding used (Please describe): Yes, Trees for the Triangle <br />(TftT) has successfully completed similar projects in the past, <br />focusing on enhancing green spaces and promoting environmental <br />education through tree planting initiatives. Funding for these <br />projects primarily came from donations from school parents and <br />the general public in the communities where the plantings took <br />place. This grassroots support demonstrated strong community <br />engagement and commitment to our environmental goals. <br />Additionally, we have utilized funds from local grants and <br />partnerships to support these efforts and expand our impact. <br />22. Please provide a brief <br />description of similar past <br />achievements or projects <br />and evidence of <br />successfully meeting <br />proposed budgets and <br />timetables (2-4 sentences). <br />TftT has successfully executed similar projects, such as planting a total of <br />50 trees at Heritage High School, Wake Forest High School, Youngsville <br />Academy, and Endeavor Charter School. Each project was completed <br />within a year, typically starting with an assessment in the summer and <br />planting by the following spring. We maintained a cost per tree of under <br />$200, demonstrating our ability to manage budgets effectively. Our track <br />record includes collaborating with student groups, parents, teachers, and <br />school administration to plan and implement these plantings, ensuring <br />successful and timely completion of projects. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: D22675F9-86C0-429B-8CAD-74E02C6C68FC