SWACO has collaborated with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) since 2021 on the Food Matters Initiative to achieve meaningful reductions in food waste in central Ohio. As part of this partnership, SWACO and NRDC are partnering with the City of Columbus and Franklin County to offer a one-time competitive grant opportunity, the Central Ohio Food Waste Reduction Capacity Grant. This grant opportunity is made possible through funding from NRDC.

Purpose

The Central Ohio Food Waste Reduction Capacity Grant will support community-driven initiatives that advance the central Ohio region's efforts to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. 

Availability of Funds

The $30,000 available funding will be divided into a maximum of seven (7) individual grants. 

• A single organization may apply for up to $5,000. 
• Joint submissions, representing two (2) or more organizations, are encouraged and may be considered for up to $10,000 in funding. 

Funds are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within Franklin County who are working to reduce food waste and have food donation, food scrap composting, or other programs which reduce food waste from entering the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. 

Submissions will be scored based on focus area (40%), demonstrated need (30%), and diversity, equity and inclusion (30%) criteria.  

Timeline

All deadlines are at 11:59 pm on the date listed.

Discuss Ideas, Questions in Advance of Drafting An Application: 

Until Friday, March 10, 2023. Reach out to [email protected] or call 380-799-2438

Submission Due Date: 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Grant Review Period:

March 16 - March 20, 2023
(Application reviewers will follow up with any questions during this period)

Grant Winners Announced: 

March 31, 2023

Grant Winners Approve & Return Award Letters:

No later than April 6, 2023

Funds Made Available to Grantee:

Mid-May 2023

Funds Spent By & Final Report Due:

December 31, 2023

Grant Eligibility

• Funding is available to support any aspect of food waste reduction (prevention, donation, composting) in central Ohio. 
• Awards can only be granted to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Grants cannot be awarded to individuals or businesses. Individuals or unincorporated organizations will need to work through a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor to obtain funding.
• Organization must be located in and serve a community/communities within central Ohio, defined as SWACO’s jurisdiction (see map here).
• Black, Indigenous, People of Color-led and/or -centered organizations who have annual budgets less than $500,000 or less than five (5) full-time equivalent staff positions are strongly encouraged to apply.