Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Project Description: Carolina Community Compost will expand its successful neighborhood-led composting modeTto <br /> 7 additional Orange County neighborhoods and one church, significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas <br /> emissions and supplying compost to community gardens in low-income areas, improving soil health and access to <br /> fresh food. A part-time Compost Ambassador will support outreach and education for one new 24/7 CompostNow <br /> bin placed near a low-income neighborhood, helping lay the groundwork for broader countywide composting. <br /> Project Benefits: Expanding to new neighborhoods will divert 77 tons of food waste and cut 52 tons of COze, <br /> annually, and reduce landfill fees for local governments. Participating households also gain climate education, <br /> stronger social connections, and healthier habits.The compost produced will support community gardens, benefiting <br /> more than 700 additional residents with fresh food and improved soil. <br /> Reviewer Comments: Interesting project with qualified organizers that have implemented a highly successful <br /> program with expansion opportunities.This project can easily accommodate partial funding. CFE is interested in <br /> seeing how it works for its potential for broader adoption and impact. <br /> #8 Ranked Project—Weaver Community Housing Association— Energy Efficient Window <br /> Installation <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): Farewell Earth <br /> Funding Requested: $61,352 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $61,305 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.64 <br /> Project Description:Weaver Community Housing Association (WCHA), an affordable community housing co- <br /> operative, seeks funding to replace 55 aging, inefficient, and leaking windows across seven cooperative housing <br /> units.The project benefits 24 residents, including eight children, and will be completed with a long-time local <br /> contractor. <br /> Project Benefits: Replacing failing, single-pane windows will reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve <br /> ventilation and indoor air quality for seven low-income households.The upgrades will prevent mold, moisture <br /> intrusion, and long-term structural damage.These custom windows protect a unique affordable housing asset while <br /> improving comfort and reducing climate-related energy burdens. <br /> Reviewer Comments: Fully funded because other organizations who applied for CCAG have access to other funding. <br /> #9 Ranked Project — Hillsborough Community Garden —Solar Powered Community Garden <br /> Irrigation <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): N/A <br /> Funding Requested: $18,000 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $0 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.27 <br /> Project Description:The Hillsborough Community Garden needs a reliable water supply independent of the town <br /> system to remain functional during drought or emergencies. A proposed solar-powered well on nearby church <br /> property would provide sustainable, cost-effective irrigation.This solution also models environmentally friendly <br /> practices for other community gardens. <br /> Project Benefits: All the produce grown by the Hillsborough Community Garden (HCG)for the past three years has <br /> gone to food insecure families via PORCH Hillsborough, providing needed fresh vegetables to over 1000 people.At <br /> our previous location in 2024 we grew and distributed more than 1500 pounds of fresh produce. <br /> Reviewer Comments: CFE members support the idea of community gardens that feed others in need but were not <br /> convinced a well would be needed in downtown Hillsborough. CFE also felt the GHG estimates might be too high. <br /> The HRC mentioned that they would like to see communication with the communities supported by PORCH. <br />