Community Waste Reduction Grant

Grant Cycles

The 2020 Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) cycle has closed.  Please check back in June 2021 to learn more about our 2021 Grant Cycle.  If you are interested in applying, we strongly encourage you to contact the Grants Administrator to discuss your ideas before submitting an application.  

The CWRG program is a competitive program that is open to all non-profits, schools including colleges & universities, government organizations including parks, in Franklin County. Applications should be for projects occurring in 2020. 

In order to qualify, the applying organization must establish programs and projects that address the unique waste reduction and recycling needs of central Ohio communities. Projects should emphasize partnership building and collaboration, and address opportunities to leverage the waste stream for community benefit. 

The CWRG program seeks proposals that demonstrate how effectively and efficiently the initiative or program will help SWACO achieve its strategic goals to improve waste diversion and recycling through one of the following: 

  • Waste Reduction and Reuse
  • Recycling
  • Organic Waste/Food Waste Diversion
  • Outreach, Education and Awareness 

2020 CWR Grant Informational Webinar Recording


SWACO hosted a Pre-Application Webinar on July 17, 2019 for the 2020 Grant Cycle.  Watch the webinar to learn more about our application process and eligibility.
Watch the Pre-recorded Webinar to Learn More about the 2019 Application Cycle
Watch the Pre-recorded Webinar to Learn More about the 2019 Application Cycle
Watch the Pre-recorded Webinar to Learn More about the 2019 Application Cycle

Program Purpose

The Community Waste Reduction Grant (PDF) is available to support the waste reduction and materials diversion efforts of local government entities, including but not limited to schools, universities and parks, and non-profit organizations located in Franklin County by providing financial support to help offset the costs of these efforts. In return, SWACO requires grantees to document and measure the projects impacts, report results to enhance waste reduction and recycling opportunities in central Ohio and contribute to SWACO's data collection. 

Program Goal


The goal of the CWRG program is to increase Franklin County's recycling rate of 49% by funding innovative projects that address unique community waste reduction needs and have the ability to be modeled throughout central Ohio. Eligible applicants for the grant program include local government entities, including but not limited to public schools, universities and colleges, parks and non-profit organizations located in Franklin County.

The CWRG Criteria for evaluating applications include project planning, measurable outcomes, financial viability, need and project sustainability. Grants are competitively awarded and support efforts focused on diverting materials from the landfill through:
 
  • Waste Reduction & Reuse
  • Recycling
  • Organic Waste & Food Waste Diversion 
  • Outreach, Education & Awareness

Eligibility


Eligible applicants for the grant program include local government entities, including but not limited to schools, universities and colleges, parks and non-profit organizations located in Franklin County.  SWACO's jurisdiction of Franklin County (PDF)
   

Funding 


The minimum grant amount is $500 and the maximum is $35,000. Applicants must demonstrate a 25% monetary contribution towards the project.  Allowable costs may include: 

  • Recycling & Diversion Equipment
  • Educational Supplies & Materials
  • Personal Service Contracts

Award Recipients

Fourteen (14) grants were awarded for the 2019 grant cycle including CAPA, City of Westerville, City of Worthington, Columbus City School District, Columbus Regional Airport Authority, Food Rescue US, Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, Hilliard City School District, Junior Achievement of Central Ohio, MORPC, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio Health - Riverside Methodist Hospital, Sunbury Urban Farm, and Windermere E.S. in Upper Arlington..
  
Eleven (11) grants were awarded for the 2018 grant cycle including The City of Hilliard, COSI, Franklin County Public Health, Franklinton Cycle Works, Franklinton Gardens, Hilliard City Schools, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, New Albany High School, Otterbein University, Summer Jam West, and the Arts College and Preparatory Academy.

Hear from our past grant recipients. Check out our videos!

Six (6) grants were awarded for the 2016-2017 grant cycle including City of Bexley, Central Ohio Area on Aging, Goodwill Columbus, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Ohio History Connection, and City of Westerville.  Please view our Summary Document (PDF) to learn more about these awarded programs & projects.

Additional Information

If you are interested in learning more about SWACO's Grants Programs please contact SWACO at 614-871-5100 or email our Grants Administrator.