Glass Recycling Foundation Grant Program in the US

Deadline: 7-Jul-23

The Glass Recycling Foundation is seeking applications for its Grant Program, intended to increase glass recovery and diversion from landfills, and to connect glass generators with end-markets.

The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The GRF’s mission is to promote the preservation of the environment through supporting and promoting effective glass recycling efforts. The GRF is dedicated to increasing material recovery and connecting glass generators with end markets.

Funding Information 

• Total GRF grant award not to exceed 50% of project or $20,000, whichever is less

Eligible Projects

• The two categories of projects allowed under the grant program are demonstration/pilot projects and education.
  • Demonstration/Pilot Projects
  • Should address specific gaps in the glass recycling supply chain and provide alternative strategies strengthening glass end markets.
    • Examples of Potential Projects:
      • Equipment for Cleaning Recycled Glass
      • Collection Containers for Glass Drop-offs
      • Setting up Regional Strategies for Building Collection & Storage Infrastructure for Recycled Glass
  • Education Projects
  • The projects need to present a clear message and strategy for educating the public about the environmental and community benefits of recycling glass and improving the quality of diverted materials from residents.
    • Examples of Potential Projects
      • Developing and presenting trainings about more effective glass collection and recycling practices
      • Writing and disseminating case studies and guidance documents about the best management practices for effective glass collection and recycling practices
      • Developing signage for residential glass recycling drop offs
      • Developing and disseminating ads and announcements about glass recycling

Eligibility Criteria

• Nonprofit entities
• Municipal, county, city, and state governments
• Glass Collectors, Material Recovery Facilities, Beneficiators, and Manufacturers

Application Requirements

• To be considered for support, you must be an eligible entity and must submit a completed application by the deadline date. The GRF Application form can be found here. When submitting, be sure to answer all the questions with as much detail as possible as details are needed for the grant committee to make an informed decision. The grant committee may come back to the applicant with clarifying questions.
• The applicant should be prepared to discuss the following elements:
  • Needs Assessment: Describe why the project/service is necessary, and the need for grant funds.
  • Project Goals and Objectives:  Clearly state your project goals. Your objectives should clearly describe the goals and be concrete and specific enough to be quantitative or observable. They should also be feasible and relate to the purpose of the project.
  • Project Narrative: The narrative should detail key project components, describe your expertise for implementing the proposed project, a description of intended project outcomes, and the total grant funds being requested. Describe how your project will include collaboration to attain a consistent supply of glass.
  • Budget and Budget Justification: The written justification for projected costs should explain how budget figures were determined for each category. It should indicate which costs are to be covered by grant funds and which costs will be met by your organization or other organizations. Strong preference is given to projects with third-party matching funding of 25% or more. Total GRF grant award not to exceed 50% of project or $20,000 whichever is less.
  • Evaluation Method(s): Describe the evaluation method(s) to determine if objective(s) or the proposed activity is being accomplished. Performance benchmarks such as amount of recovered glass, distance to secondary processor (if necessary), timeline, jobs created, impact per total project spend, etc.
  • Duration of Project: Briefly describe the duration of the project, and the estimated time from grant approval to beginning of project or service, not to exceed 12 months.
  • Sustainability: Briefly describe the plans for increased self-sustainability for the project in future years, including how the project will be sustained in the future without grant funds.

For more information, visit Glass Recycling Foundation Grant Program.