RENEW AMERICA’S SCHOOLS – ENERGY IMPROVEMENT GRANT, SOLID WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RECYCLING GRANT & CONSUMER RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
There are three federal grants which have recently been announced that offer significant funding to municipalities. The programs include energy improvements to K-12 schools, funding infrastructure for solid waste collection and recycling to improve collection and management, and a consumer recycling education and outreach grant program. All three have deadlines in mid-January.
RENEW AMERICA’S SCHOOLS – ENERGY IMPROVEMENT – K – 12
The RENEW AMERICA’S SCHOOLS – ENERGY IMPROVEMENT – K-12 program will provide an initial investment of $80 million for the purpose of making clean energy investments in K-12 schools that will lower energy costs for communities and improve the learning environment for students. Examples of eligible uses include energy efficiency (envelope, HVAC, lighting, controls), ventilation, renewable energy, alternative vehicles and alternative vehicle infrastructure. The grants are anticipated to range from $500,000 – $15 million and require a 5% match. Concept papers are due by January 26th with full applications due in April 2023.
SOLID WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RECYCLING
The SOLID WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RECYCLING program seeks to establish, increase, expand or optimize collection and improve materials management infrastructure, reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream and identify, establish or improve end markets for the use of recycled materials. Approximately $40 million is available of which is anticipated in the range of $500,000 – $4 million for a three-year grant period. Communities can form a coalition to apply for a grant, and no matching funds are required. Interested communities must file a short notice of intent by December 15th, and the full application by January 16, 2023.
CONSUMER RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The CONSUMER RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH program focuses on improving the effectiveness of residential and community recycling and composting programs through public outreach and education. Approximately $30 million is available of which is anticipated in the range of $250,000 – $2 million for the grant period. Successful projects will inform the public about recycling programs, provide information about recycled materials that are accepted which are separately collected, and increase the collection rates while decreasing contamination of materials generated. Funding can be used for public service announcements, social media & digital outreach, advertising, bin and cart labeling and signs, and other initiatives. Interested communities must file a short notice of intent by December 15th, and the full application by January 16, 2023.
ASSISTING OUR CLIENTS IN ACHIEVING GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
We assist our clients in researching and obtaining grant funding each year by crafting compelling applications and identifying ways to scale effective programs. We offer a full variety of grant writing, management, and technical assistance services customized to the needs of our clients. Our team is skilled at overseeing the entire grant life cycle process, from proposal to close; pre – award management, approval process, tracking payments, reviewing budgets, producing relevant reports, and post – award contract compliance.