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Optional file upload for <br />project impact <br />calculations. <br />D17. Are there additional <br />impacts? <br />No <br />D18. Please describe <br />any avoided financial <br />costs or savings related <br />to the project and over <br />what period of time those <br />costs will be <br />avoided/reduced. (250 <br />word limit) <br />The farm spends approximately $20,000 on electricity and $90,000 on propane annually, for a total <br />of $110,000 per year. The cost of installing solar and geothermal energy would be ‘saved’ within <br />four years of the projects start date, and that would provide at least $110,000 annually to <br />redistribute to staff salaries (moving closer to thriving wages for all) in the following years. <br />D19. Does your project <br />accelerate or expand on <br />existing programs that <br />already show positive <br />impact? (150 word limit) <br />W e have been unable to start solar and geothermal installation at the farm because three-phase <br />energy is a prerequisite to that work. This project will allow Red Hawk Farm to begin these exciting <br />renewable energy projects. <br />D20. Does your project <br />take advantage of other <br />funding sources? If yes, <br />please describe. (150 <br />word limit) <br />As previously described, we are in a position to realize up to 40% savings in tax credits for <br />installation of renewable energy on the property if we can install three-phase power as soon as <br />possible, begin construction by July 4, 2026, and complete construction by December 31, 2027. <br />These tax credits would provide additional funds to support thriving wages, community <br />engagement, partnership development, program expansion, and more. However, these federal tax <br />credits are set to sunset after 2027, so we must act now. <br />W e have also made it through all rounds of review at USDA for the REAP (Rural Energy for <br />America Program) grant. Those funds are designated for installation of solar and geothermal <br />energy, and would reimburse a significant portion of installation costs at project completion. <br />However, REAP funds cannot pay for three-phase power installation, so the farm cannot take <br />advantage of the grant funding without this critical step. <br />D21. W ould your <br />proposed project help <br />you to take advantage of <br />funding from other <br />sources besides this <br />grant in the future? (250 <br />word limit) <br />W e anticipate there will be other future grant opportunities as the state and federal landscapes <br />change over time, including future incentives for electric vehicle charging stations (for employee <br />vehicles and/or farm equipment and vehicles), commercial solar production opportunities, farm <br />operation expansion, and more. <br />D22. Please describe <br />any other aspect of your <br />project that is relevant to <br />the efficient use of grant <br />funds. (150 word limit) <br />Red Hawk Farm is positioned to maximize as many funding opportunities as are currently available <br />to install and scale significant renewable energy projects here in Orange County. W e have <br />dedicated staff with project management and grants management skills, which is unusual for a farm <br />operation of our size. W e have deep connections to our community, and we’re eager to do <br />everything we can to support the success and wellbeing of people and planet. <br />Criterion 4 - Capacity of Applicant This criterion has a maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 <br />pts). <br />D23. Has your <br />organization completed <br />projects of this type in <br />the past? <br />No <br />D24. Have you <br />completed similar <br />projects in the past and <br />successfully met the <br />proposed budgets and <br />timelines? <br />No <br />Docusign Envelope ID: 1EDD1EF6-0E3A-40E1-B431-94002662BCDF