Grant Information
2008 SWACO GENERAL GRANT

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS


SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY OF CENTRAL OHIO (SWACO)
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is one of 52 solid waste districts created by the Ohio General Assembly in 1989.  Each district was established with the mission of reducing Ohio’s reliance on landfills. Since its creation, SWACO has become a catalyst for recycling and reuse programs within its district.  SWACO continues to pioneer with leading edge programs that find new uses for the solid waste of the past, present and future. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The General Grant Program was created to provide additional funding for projects specifically related to SWACO’s mission of managing the District municipal solid waste stream in an effort to achieve environmentally responsible and cost-effective disposal, reduce reliance on landfilling through waste reduction and recycling, treat solid waste as a resource capable of yielding recovered materials and energy, and plan future disposal capacity for the District.   

ELIGIBILITY
Applications are welcome from governmental organizations and local political subdivisions located within the SWACO district.  This would include school districts, public and private schools, metro parks, townships, villages and municipalities. 

Grant requests may also be submitted by organizations that are a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as long as the applicants are in the SWACO district and do not possess a liquor license. Grant applications must have a direct relevance to SWACO’s mission. SWACO makes no grants to individuals or private businesses, and reserves the sole discretion to reject any applicant or application.

Applicants must have a recycling program in place or in the planning and development stage, or a solid waste reduction curriculum.  Applicants must be participating in the SWACO Re-TRAC reporting system if available to them. Re-TRAC is an on-line recycling and solid waste data management system provided by SWACO to governmental organizations, local political subdivisions and some commercial/industrial entities. The information reported is utilized by SWACO to better manage and report District recycling data to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on an annual basis.

FUNDING
A total of $59,321 is available for the 2008 funding year.  Grant funds not committed during the first funding period will be made available during a second funding period.  All projects and funding are subject to SWACO Board of Trustees approval.  Priority consideration will be given to applicants not currently receiving a SWACO grant.

MATCH FUNDS REQUIREMENT
At a minimum, 25% of the total project cost must be paid by the grant applicant. The match can be financial or in the form of in-kind services.  Examples of in-kind services include labor, donated materials or other services.

ALLOWABLE COSTS
Grant funds can only be used for the purposes as outlined in the Project Categories and Criteria For Projects sections in this document.

UNALLOWABLE COSTS
Grant funds may not be used for the following:
1.    Solid waste collection containers, equipment or activities.
2.    Any grant-related expenditure made prior to the effective date of the grant agreement.
3.    Salaries and benefits.
4.    General office supplies and equipment.
5.    Overhead costs or indirect costs.
6.    Research costs.
7.    Membership fees, dues, entertainment including alcohol, and travel costs.
8.    Transportation or shipping costs.
9.    Signs other than those required by SWACO.

RECORD KEEPING
The Grantee must keep accurate records documenting all project expenses, including purchase orders, vendor invoices, receipts, signed delivery documents, timesheets, proof of payment (such as canceled checks) and any related documents that account for all expenditures of grant funds and match funds.  Inventories must include the name, model number, serial number, recycled content information, and description of products, materials and equipment purchased.  SWACO will conduct an on-site visit as appropriate or request photographs to verify project activities and/or purchases, installations, etc.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE
Applicant must complete and submit the SWACO application with supporting documentation by the deadlines listed below. Funds not awarded during the first funding period will be carried over to the second funding period.  If all funds are awarded during the first funding period, there will not be a second funding period. 

      ANNOUNCEMENT        DUE DATE        AWARDED
           March 15                    May 1               June 15 
        September 15            November 1       December 15 

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the SWACO Grants Committee. The Grants Committee will make a recommendation to the SWACO Board of Trustees Planning and Program Development Subcommittee and, if approved by the Subcommittee, the project will be submitted as a resolution to the SWACO Board of Trustees at its next meeting. If approved by the Board, a Grant Agreement between the parties will be prepared and signatures obtained.

PROJECT CATEGORIES
  • Recycling and Waste Reduction:  Recovery of materials; collection events for paper, cans, bottles, etc.; special collection events for electronics, tires, etc.
  • Reuse:  School reuse store; book exchange event; collection of paint or electronics for reuse; exchange website; etc.
  • Compost and Yard Waste Management:  Promotional campaigns; community assistance; workshop or seminar; assisting the elderly with leaf collection, etc.
  • Education and Awareness:  Surveys; waste audits; recycling fair; increasing participation in recycling programs; etc.
  • Promotion of Recycled Content Materials & Equipment:  Purchase and use of recycled content materials and equipment in conjunction with an awareness component and a companion recycling program.
  • Other Projects:  Other projects that result in a significant waste reduction or addressing difficult to recycle materials.

CRITERIA FOR PROJECTS
The criteria for funding of projects includes the following:

  1. Project fits SWACO’s guiding principles regarding waste reduction, recycling and reuse programs and technologies that will be both environmentally and economically sustainable.
  2. Application follows the format and is clear, concise and well-written.
  3. Promotes cooperation among other groups and/or agencies without duplicating services, and utilizes volunteers if possible.
  4. Project goals and objectives are described.
  5. Provide details if your project would be considered innovative, i.e., a new product or new use of an existing product; a creative approach or strategy to promote the reduce/recycle/re-use/anti-littering message.
  6. Applicant is qualified to successfully complete the proposed project.
  7. Applicant has a current recycling program or plans to implement one, or has a solid waste reduction curriculum.
  8. Budget request is reasonable, itemized costs are justified in the project narrative, and vendor quotes are included with the application as appropriate.
  9. A timeline is provided and all site details/personnel are described.
  10. Match requirement can be met.
  11. Promotes the project through appropriate events, activities and media; recognizes SWACO as assisting with the project.
  12. Details for acceptance of partial funding and impact on project are included.
  13. Plans for evaluating and continuing the project are described, and diversion figures reported if applicable.
  14. Applicants, if possible, must be participating in the SWACO Re-TRAC reporting system.
  15. Applicant is willing to add a SWACO link to their current website.

GRANT AGREEMENT
The Grant Agreement specifies the total grant award, detailed budget and stipulates how the grant funds will be spent.  By signing the Agreement, the Grantee agrees to the following minimum conditions:

  1. Use grant funds only for approved and allowable activities.
  2. Submit reports as required.
  3. Submit an invoice, all purchase orders, receipts, vendor invoices, signed delivery receipts, timesheets at the standard payroll rate, proof of payment such as copies of cancelled checks, and any related documents on any expenditures of grant funds and match funds.
  4. SWACO is permitted to perform a site visit or request the applicant to submit photos of the project for verification.
  5. Repayment of any funds not spent on the project.
  6. Participation in the Re-TRAC reporting system, and if possible, add a SWACO link to their current website.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
This is a reimbursement grant.  Grantees are required to pay in advance any costs directly associated with the project prior to being reimbursed by SWACO according to the Grant Agreement. Grantees must submit an invoice along with purchase orders, receipts, vendor invoices, signed delivery receipts, timesheets, proof of payment such as copies of canceled checks and any other appropriate documents related to the expenditure of grant funds and match funds.

TIMELINE
The grant period is twelve (12) months from the effective date of the Grant Agreement, and Grantees are encouraged to close out the grant as soon as possible. The grant period may be extended upon written approval by SWACO based on current progress of the project and merit of the request. A written request for any extension to the grant agreement must be specific and justified, and include a revised budget if applicable.  SWACO reserves the right to accept or deny any extension request.

APPLICATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Grant Application Form is attached (Attachment A). If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact:

Bonni Trice, Grants Manager
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
4239 London-Groveport Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
Tel: 614-871-5100    Fax: 614-871-5103
Email: bonni.trice@swaco.org
www.swaco.org

PROMOTION
A Promotion/Publicity Approval Request (Attachment B) must be submitted and approved by SWACO for any press releases, media events or publicity connected with the project. All such promotions and events shall include recognition of SWACO as providing assistance on the project. Upon completion of the project, the Grantee will install a SWACO approved permanent plaque to be displayed on or near the project, if possible, according to the type of project, which will identify that SWACO has provided partial funding.

REPORTS AND ADMINISTRATION
A Final Report (Attachment C) on the project is required no later than two weeks after the grant expiration date or on early completion of the project. Any additional receipts and documents must be submitted at that time.  A site visit, if appropriate, will be scheduled in advance to document Grantee has accomplished the project objective and to verify compliance with the Grant Agreement. SWACO requires repayment of any funds not spent on the project.

Attachment A:  Grant Application Form
Attachment B:  Promotion/Publicity Approval Request
Attachment C:  Final Report