Research and Evaluation Task Force

Attended by: Kate Klibansky, Stacie Haines, Maryalice Crofton, Kirsten Brewer, Cole Cochran, Morgan Rieley, Ivan Fernandez, Kevin Howell

Task force members convened using videoconference.
 
-Introductions and welcome Kevin and Cole!

-Follow-up on Energy Education & Home Energy Conservation Scoping Meeting

  • Two events were held to hear feedback from experts in the fields of energy efficiency.
  • 30 total participants in 2 meetings. Additional 1-1 meetings.  
  • Scoping meeting: purpose to hear from a wide range of people from the field. Cross sector discussion. Hit the mark. 
  • Emerging service models. Lack of awareness, lack of labor. 
  • Helpful feedback with 4 models for service activities emerging. 
  • See attached report (LINK). Focus on the emerging models on page 3-7. 
  • Really great conversations –a mix of seasoned experience with successful programs. 
  • Everyone is excited but no clear applicant yet. Put out an application and see what happens. May need to invite out of state operating programs to do some of the work. One or two out of MN: running an energy efficiency program in a community action program. Organizing/Administering piece in the state: https://www.ampact.us/home-energy. Balance of understanding of rural states and has a model in other rural states. Still hoping to find someone in the state of Maine.
  • Report is finalized. Draft RFA – using information to build into an application. Report is public and transparent. Applicants should use that as a resource. As relevant: Committee Members can let others know about the grant opportunity; they also are welcome to refer future host sites or applicants. 

-Discussion of DRAFT RFA Concept
This DRAFT Concept for an RFA outlines the purpose, priorities, eligibility, requirements, benefits, and a template for the program design narrative. 

Please focus on the sections highlighted in yellow. 

This language is substantially pared down from what is required in a State of Maine RFA and does not reflect legal requirements for our grantmaking. It’s a starting point to think about how we will ask potential grantees to apply and develop their program. 

Opportunities and Challenges of pairing this funding with AmeriCorps funding.

Decision points:

  1. Focus on energy efficiency and put that up front so there is no confusion about who would be eligible to apply. Also, note up front that this is a pilot project with the expectation that other subject areas would be given attention in the future.
  2. Will add in specific energy efficiency certification opportunities that come out of service. 
  3. Rural/Urban: Prefer rural and then the outcome could prefer geographic areas. Rate accordingly by weighting preferences.  Conversation around the possibility of a roving team for rural areas. 
  4. Preference for programs that address low income housing and/or households. Way to include renters. Gaps for renters. 

The Commission’s retreat is September 16, all Task Force members are welcome to join us. Focus on DEI.

Applied for America the Beautiful federal grant: Bringing different agencies together. Focused on ecosystem restoration. Achieve local communities’ alignment with CAP and plan for future iterations of Service Fellows. 

Outreach to Congressional Delegates: Rep Rielly brought up the opportunity to reach out to congressional delegates re: Climate Corps to spur interest in federal funding. Perhaps the Swearing in ceremony is a time to do this. If competition opens up in August and selection in September. October recruiting service members. Could be something to put on their radars. (Maryalice/Morgan will follow-up). 

NEED peer reviewers for Climate Corps applications. Opportunity to do community education. Please get in touch with Maryalice and Kirsten regarding potential peer reviewers. 

Next meeting: Sep 21st, 1 PM (no August meeting)