Funding

THIS TOOLKIT IS PROVIDED BY RECYCLE, MICHIGAN—AN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH INITIATIVE OF THE MICHIGAN RECYCLING COALITION

RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION & OUTREACH TOOLKIT

QUICK LINKS

Grant Funding Mechanisms:

Michigan communities are very fortunate to have access to federal and state funding opportunities for recycling and food scrap diversion. While some State grants have been around for a long time, many Federal grants are relatively new, beginning around 2022.

Grants are a great way to improve your current recycling/waste reduction programs, either by expanding collection opportunities, switching to recycling carts, or doing a pilot for curbside organics.

STATE GRANTS

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Grants:

Michigan Green Communities Challenge:

Competitive grant program for local governments implementing sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction and recycling programs.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Grants:

Supports agriculture-related recycling efforts, such as composting programs and organics recycling.

NextCycle Michigan:

Provides small-scale funding and support to early-stage projects focused on keeping materials out of landfills. Perfect for for recycling and waste reduction and small and emerging businesses to grow their programs and find partners.

Michigan Funding Hub:

Helps communities capitalize on state and federal funding opportunities. Get information on available grants, find other tools to help your community become more grant savvy, or get help answering your grant search questions.

FEDERAL GRANTS

The U.S. EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure Recycling (SWIFR) grant program provides grants to implement strategies to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, and support improvements in materials management and recycling programs.

U.S. EPA Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) program improves the effectiveness of residential and community recycling and composting programs through public education and outreach. The aim is to increase collection rates and decrease contamination in community recycling or composting program.

USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) cooperative agreements assist local and municipal governments with projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.

The Recycling Partnership grants for communities and MRFs.

QUICK TIPS FOR GRANT WRITING

You Found a Grant Opportunity! Now What?

These grant aim to enhance recycling rates, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable waste management practices in Michigan. It is essential to review the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for each grant program to maximize the chances of obtaining funding for recycling projects.

QUICK TIPS:

Read the grant requirements thoroughly before considering applying.
1. 1. Does your project or request meet the requirements? (i.e., what are the goals for the grant? - education, tons diverted, contamination reduction, improved access, etc.)
  2. Do you need matching funds?
  3. Do you need to partner with another public agency or private-sector entity?
  4. Does your organization have the capacity to follow up with the project and success milestone reporting as described in the application?
2. Timing
  1. Does the timeline fit with your availability to complete the application and reference materials?
  2. What type of organizational approvals do you need before applying? Some organizations may need board or municipal council approval before applying.
3. Writing Resources
  1. What resources will you need within your organization?
    1. Grant or technical writer
    2. Department/project budget
    3. Graphic design resources
    4. Consultant assistance
    5. Nonprofit organizations that may advise on grant writing
4. Read and re-read your proposal
  1. Follow directions!
    1. Are there formatting (font size or spacing) requirements, page count limitations, exceptions for attachments, and format requirements?
    2. Make sure any question is answered or addressed. Avoid making assumptions that reviewers will understand.
    3. Solicit proofing support from someone outside of your organization who can read the grant requirements and review with fresh eyes.
5. Send the Grant
  1. Submit the grant in the format specified in the grant description. Some need to be mailed while others require electronic submissions by an exact time.
  2. Make an appointment on your calendar for the date the grant winners are announced and watch websites closely.
  3. If your organization is awarded the grant, assemble a team to review calendar milestones and reporting requirements.