Albemarle County has announced five projects selected to receive community climate action grants. The grants will support creative local projects that build capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s important to leverage community resources and knowledge along with local government funds to help implement the climate action plan,” said Gabe Dayley, Albemarle County climate protection program manager.
Ten community groups and nonprofits applied for $100,000 in available grant funds which came from the Board of Supervisors’ climate action pool fund.
The grant program’s purpose is to leverage community resources to help implement the county’s climate action plan adopted in 2020 by the Board of Supervisors.
Recipients are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. Projects will take place in Albemarle County or involve people who live, work or go to school in the county.
Grant requests ranged from $5,000 to $25,000, which represented either the total proposed project budget or a fraction of a larger project budget, with additional funding sources beyond Albemarle County.
“The second year of these community climate action grants will help make local climate action a more inclusive, participatory process,” Dayley said. “We’re excited to support these projects.”
Selected projects
Bicycle Recycling, Refurbishment and Redistribution – $25,000
Charlottesville Community Bikes will expand its bicycle recycling, refurbishment and redistribution programs, providing affordable, sustainable transportation to underserved communities in Albemarle County.
Supporting expansion and electrification at New Roots Farm – $25,000
International Rescue Committee’s New Roots Farm will begin a major re-design and expansion of New Roots Farm while also phasing out additional fossil fuel-based equipment in favor of electric alternatives powered by solar.
Accelerating GHG reduction with community service organizations – $20,000
Community Climate Collaborative will conduct climate action workshops for leadership of places of community gathering, such as congregations, community centers, youth centers and education centers, focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, solar power, electrification of both buildings and vehicles and waste management.
Solar readiness for low-income households – $18,600
The Local Energy Alliance Program will provide roof repairs and energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households that are otherwise eligible for and on track to receive Dominion Energy’s income- and age-qualifying solar program, which expires at the end of this year.
Community composting system – $11,380
Wildrock will install a composting system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste generated by visitors and develop educational curricula on composting, soil health and nutrient cycling.
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Crystal Graham
