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features. Education and monitoring are part of lowering energy cost/uses. Simple concept that targets low-and 9 <br /> middle-income residents. Short turnaround time (6 months-year). <br /> #5 Ranked Project—Trees for the Triangle—Tree Planting and Education <br /> Applicant(Collaborators):Triangle Prescribed Burn Association (Through NC Cooperative <br /> Extension), Bluestem Community NC <br /> Funding Requested: $50,000 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $30,000 <br /> Total Score (Out of 25 pts): 20.10 <br /> Project Description:Trees for the Triangle will expand the native tree canopy in low-equity, climate-vulnerable <br /> neighborhoods through a Pay-What-You-Can planting program. The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000 <br /> seedlings, and offer workshops on climate-resilient tree care.This approach improves flood resilience, reduces <br /> emissions, and empowers residents to build greener, healthier communities. <br /> Project Benefits: Planting 200 native trees and distributing 2,000 seedlings will reduce flooding, sequester carbon, <br /> cool neighborhoods, and improve air quality in vulnerable areas. Workshops will equip residents to care for their <br /> trees, extending benefits across the county.These efforts advance climate equity by expanding green space and <br /> strengthening community resilience for future storm events. <br /> Reviewer Comments:Targeted approach to planting trees in disadvantaged communities and educating residents. <br /> Plan in place to engage and educate tree owners and keep trees alive. Strong partnerships. Deducted funding to <br /> reduce administrative costs. <br /> #6 Ranked Project— Red Hawk Farm — Renewable Energy Infrastructure <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): Piedmont Electric Cooperative <br /> Funding Requested: $30,000 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $30,000 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.74 <br /> Project Description: Red Hawk Farm (52-acre organic farm supplying high-quality produce year-round using soil- <br /> based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies) seeks funds to transition from fossil-fuel dependence <br /> to renewable energy systems to strengthen resilience and reduce operating costs.This shift will also advance climate- <br /> conscious farming and help peers adopt similar solutions. <br /> Project Benefits: Bringing three-phase power to this farm will enable solar and geothermal systems that significantly <br /> reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate major energy costs. Savings can be reinvested in staff wages and <br /> shared as a model for other regional farms seeking climate-smart operations. The project also strengthens Orange <br /> County's agricultural sector and expands hands-on learning opportunities for students and community partners. <br /> Reviewer Comments:The CFE was very impressed by this grant.They applied last year and were turned down but <br /> took advice and recommendations to make this year's grant request very appealing with stronger, more realistic <br /> business/farm application than last year's with increased partnerships/collaborators. The HRC acknowledged <br /> wanting to encourage businesses like this which support our regional county education systems, <br /> #7 Ranked Project— Upstream Works/Carolina Community Compost—Compost Collection in 7 <br /> neighborhoods and 1 church <br /> Applicant(Collaborators): Compost Now <br /> Funding Requested: $30,478 <br /> Recommended Funding Level: $21,300 <br /> Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.7 <br />