Community Waste Reduction Grant

Grant Cycles


SWACO is now accepting applications for the Community Waste Reduction (CWR) Grant Program, 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. 

Please click here to download the Application Information document.

Applications for the Community Waste Reduction Grant Program are due by 5pm on Friday, September 20, 2019. Grants will be awarded in December 2019 and will support projects beginning in 2020.  If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to contact the Grants Administrator to discuss your ideas, before applying.  

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 CWR Grant 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 

Listen to our pre-recorded 2020 CWR Grant Informational Webinar!



SWACO hosted a Pre-Application Webinar on Jul 17.  Please check back to listen to the recording of the presentation.
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

Purpose

The Community Waste Reduction (CWR) 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 CWR Grant Program is to maintain and improve 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 CWR Grant 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 new 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.