Five years ago, the County Commissioners created a Climate Action Fund to help our community meet the climate change mitigation goals set by the county.

The county has set several targets, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and by 100% by 2050 from 2005 baseline levels. (Other targets are related to vehicle miles traveled, solar capacity, and renewable energy for our municipal operations.) These are part of our county’s Climate Action Plan, which was adopted by the county commissioners in November 2023.

Apply for funding from the county

Applications are now open for projects to receive funding for the 2024-25 funding cycle. All public and non‐profit entities are eligible to apply as well as small businesses whose gross revenues do not exceed $3 million annually. All proposed projects must demonstrate a positive impact on Orange County, and all funds should be spent in Orange County.

community-challenge-grant

Last year’s grant awardees included projects related to rooftop solar panels, installation of gardens, LED lights, and EV chargers. The county provides several project ideas, and a bunch of helpful information on its Community Climate Action Grant website.

Applications must be received by August 16, 2024. You can email [email protected] with questions.

In the last municipal election cycle, we helped increase turnout by over 20 percent. We're all volunteers who care deeply about Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and we're working to make Chapel Hill and Carrboro more vibrant, accessible, fun, and sustainable.  Please consider a small donation to help us keep our digital lights on, host events, and hire students to do data deep-dives.

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Melody Kramer is a Peabody-award winning journalist whose work has appeared on NPR and member stations around the country, as well as in publications ranging from National Geographic to Esquire Magazine....