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# 11.

Board of Supervisors

Meeting Date:: 10/07/2025
Brief Title: Approve Contract with Farallon Strategies for Climate Grant Writer

From:

Adam Fieseler, Director, Department of Community Services

Staff Contact:

Julia Olsen, Administrative Services Analyst, Department of Community Services x8817

Supervisorial District Impact:

Countywide

Subject

Approve contract with Farallon Strategies to provide climate action grant writing services to the Sustainability Division with a term ending December 31, 2026, not to exceed $70,490. (No general fund impact) (Fieseler/Wraithwall)

Recommended Action

Approve contract with Farallon Strategies to provide climate action grant writing services to the Sustainability Division with a term ending December 31, 2026, not to exceed $70,490.

Strategic Plan Goal(s)

Sustainable Environment

Reason for Recommended Action/Background

In December 2024, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2030 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a comprehensive roadmap to achieve a carbon-negative footprint by 2030 while centering equity, ensuring a 'just transition', and fostering climate resilience throughout the region. The CAAP was developed in close partnership with the Yolo County Climate Action Commission (YCCAC), the Equity and Engagement Technical Advisory Committee, the Natural and Working Lands Technical Advisory Committee, and a broad coalition of County departments, partners, and community voices. The plan includes 183 actions across 40 measures and 10 strategies, reflecting the County’s ambitious and collaborative commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

With the CAAP now adopted, Yolo County has shifted to the critical implementation phase. A key enabler of success will be the ability to secure external funding for priority climate actions. To this end, the County’s Sustainability Division identified the need for an experienced consultant to provide grant writing and strategic funding support. The selected consultant will work closely with the Sustainability Division and interdepartmental Green Team to:

Develop a comprehensive funding strategy aligned with CAAP priority actions;
Develop project concepts and descriptions, including guidance on strong, grant-ready teams;
Lead grant application development, logistics, and project management from pre-submission through award.

On May 22, 2025, Yolo County staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking proposals for specialized grant writing and funding strategy consulting services. After a competitive selection process, Farallon Strategies was selected as the highest-ranked firm. Staff is now requesting Board approval of a contract with Farallon Strategies (Att. A. Contract with Farallon Strategies) for climate grant writing services from October 2025 through December 31, 2026, not to exceed $70,490. Board Directed Projects funds will be used to support this effort, with no impact to the general fund.

Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)

Community Services Department, Yolo County Interdepartmental Green Team.

Competitive Bid Process/Vendor Performance

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultants/consulting firms to provide specialized climate grant writing services in Yolo County was issued on May 22, 2025 and posted until July 16, 2025. Thirteen proposals were received and evaluated. After evaluation of the thirteen proposals, it was determined that Farallon Strategies should be awarded the contract. Additional information regarding the competitive bid process is included below, including the evaluation criteria and scoring breakdown of the thirteen proposals received. No protests concerning the contract award were received.

Evaluation Criteria Included in RFQ

Qualifications and Experience of Consultant/staff with Climate Specific Grants
Responsibility/Demonstrated Competence and Success in Grant Writing
Cost Proposal
Understanding & Approach of Climate Funding Landscape
Knowledge of Yolo County Climate Priorities
Project Schedule for Each Task Completion
Previous Customer References
Quality and Completeness of Submitted Proposal

Bids Received

Bidder	Bid
Farallon Strategies	89.33 out of 100
Sustainable Strategies DC	72 out of 100
The Ferguson Group	67 out of 100
Consilium	66 out of 100
Grant Our Community	57 out of 100
Advocacy Chiefs	56.67 out of 100
Townsend Public Affairs	47 out of 100
EJ Thronson Consulting	46 out of 100
HANA Resources, Inc.	46 out of 100
GirlWrites LLC	42.33 out of 100
Project Development Solutions	39.67 out of 100
Blue Strike Environmental	39.33 out of 100
Grant and Funding Solutions Company	38 out of 100

Fiscal Impact

Fiscal impact (see budgetary detail below)

Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)

Total cost of recommended action:: $ 70,490
Amount budgeted for expenditure:: $ 70,490
Additional expenditure authority needed:: $ 0
One-time commitment:: Yes

Source of Funds for this Expenditure

Board Directed Projects: $70,490

Attachments

Form Review

Inbox	Reviewed By	Date
Stephanie Cormier	Stephanie Cormier	09/24/2025 05:26 PM
Adam Fieseler	Adam Fieseler	09/25/2025 01:37 PM
Financial Services	David Estrada	09/25/2025 02:50 PM
County Counsel	Hope Welton	09/25/2025 02:52 PM
Berenice Espitia	Berenice Espitia	09/29/2025 03:11 PM

Form Started By:: Julia Olsen
Started On:: 09/02/2025 02:34 PM
Final Approval Date:: 09/29/2025