Deadline: 15-Mar-21
StopWaste is currently accepting applications for Reuse & Repair Grants Program to provide funding for innovative projects that will increase individual, business, and community involvement in waste prevention, reuse, recovery, and source reduction efforts; encourage the development, marketing, and use of recovered products while decreasing the amount of waste generated and sent to the County’s landfills.
The goal is to conserve natural resources and stimulate economic activity in the reuse and recovery sectors.
Funding Information
- Amount Up to $20,000 per grant request.
Eligible Projects
- Projects must support reuse, repair, recovery, and/or redistribution activities (not food waste-related).
- Recycling or composting-based projects are not eligible for funding.
- Projects that recycle waste materials into new materials, products, or compost do not qualify for funding.
- Ineligible Grant Activities
- Recycling and/or composting based projects and related supplies are not eligible (this includes the purchase of bins for compost/recycling or garbage). Please see their free food scrap bin program for businesses and multifamily properties.
- Funding for any staffing position (full or part-time) in excess of 50% of the budgeted position.
- Payment of organizational overhead exceeding 15% of the project budget.
- Payment for any activities before contract execution.
- Payment of legal fees, fines, or penalties.
- Subsidization of existing contracts.
- Research or planning projects that duplicate Agency efforts.
Requirements
- Proposed projects must:
- Be based in Alameda County, divert discarded materials generated in Alameda County, or involve educational campaigns targeting Alameda County residents or businesses.
- Not duplicate existing StopWaste programs/services, review StopWaste budget document that includes details on all Agency current programs and services.
- Education and outreach projects are expected to estimate the number of people educated.
- Estimate the number of materials that will be prevented, reused, recovered, re-distributed, or otherwise diverted.
- Applicants must:
- ONLY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION TO ONE grant focus area. This is the application for the Reuse and Repair focus area.
- Be either a nonprofit or business with a valid 501(c)3 and/or business license.
- Not be public or private schools or municipality; these are not eligible. For schools related support, contact Angelina Vergara, StopWaste Schools Programs Manager.
- Get prior approval from StopWaste staff if using a Fiscal Sponsor.
- Maintain insurance that meets Agency minimum criteria linked here;
- Be in compliance with all federal, state, and local land use, regulatory, and permit requirements.
- Contact their grant manager to assess if they are eligible for additional funding if they have current, open grants with StopWaste
- Have matching funds available if the project budget exceeds grant requests.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are reviewed and evaluated on a competitive basis by StopWaste staff members. Outside experts may be consulted as needed. During the review process, program staff may contact the applicant for additional information and may elect to interview applicants or conduct a site visit prior to making a funding recommendation. However, an expression of interest by staff should not be construed as an indication of forthcoming grant approval. Projects are reviewed using the following criteria:
- Project Conception – Proposal is clear and comprehensible; project activities are well defined and technically feasible; milestones and timeline are realistic; the project is innovative, non-duplicative of existing Agency projects, programs, and services. Innovative, expansion and new projects are a priority.
- Outcomes/Measurement – Objectives clearly stated, specific, realistic, and measurable through an identified methodology; project monitoring and evaluation strategies thoughtfully planned.
- Leadership and Organizational Capacity –Management and staff are qualified to implement projects and achieve stated objectives; facilities, equipment, resources, and community support are adequate and appropriate. Organizational capacity is one of the most critical indicators of future project success.
- Financial Viability – Organization demonstrates sound fiscal management; project budget is realistic and appropriately leverages other resources; the project is cost-effective, financially feasible, and sustainable; there is adequate oversight and accountability of project income and expenses.
- Impact & Community Needs– Significant contribution to reuse and recovery programs and infrastructure in Alameda County; transferability of successful waste prevention/reuse tasks and strategies, economic development, public education or technical advancements; desirable and sustainable benefits. Projects that address pressing needs in the community will be prioritized.
- Partners – Applicant clearly identifies partners in the proposed project, their specific roles, and deliverables for the project as well as provides letters of support from each identified partner. Partners are a direct recipient of the proposed project and participate in project activities that are new or an expansion of existing programs/services.
- Business and Marketing Strategy – Business plan and/or marketing strategy developed which supports the proposed project (if applicable). Proposed products/services are clearly articulated, including targeted audience and strategies, markets and delivery strategy, promotion, and supply chain issues.
For more information, visit https://www.stopwaste.org/at-work/stopwaste-grants/reuse-and-repair-grants