Solid Waste Management Grant Program

What is the purpose of the program? Who is eligible to apply? How can funds be used? How much assistance can our group apply for?           When can we apply for assistance? How will our application be evaluated? How do we apply?

What is the purpose of the program?  return to top
The Solid Waste Management Grant program is designed to assist communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients, with the objectives of reducing or eliminating pollution of water resources in rural areas, and improving planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.

Who is eligible to apply?  return to top

• Eligible organizations include:
• Private, non-profit organizations that have been granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service
• Public Bodies
• Federally recognized Native American tribes
• Academic Institutions
• Applicants must have the proven ability, background, experience, legal authority, and actual capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training.
• Technical assistance and/or training must be provided to entities located in rural communities with less than 10,000 residents.

How can funds be used?  return to top

• Funds can be used for:
• Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources
• Technical assistance to reduce solid waste stream through reduction, recycling and reuse
• Technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in maintenance and operation of active landfills
• Technical assistance to landfill operators which are closed or will be closed with development or implementation of closure plans, future use plans, or safety and maintenance planning
• Examples of recently funded projects:

How much assistance can our group apply for?  return to top

• No minimum/maximum amounts

When can we apply for assistance?  return to top

• Applications are accepted from October 1st to December 31st of each year.

How will our application be evaluated?  return to top

• Evaluations will take place from January 1st through March 1st.
• Applications are evaluated on a number of criteria:
• Applicant's demonstrated capability and past performance in providing technical assistance and/or training to rural associations
• Income and size of communities being served
• Amount of leveraged funds
• Cost effectiveness
• Proposal timeframe
• Degree to which assistance is delivered by organizational staff versus contract personnel
• Degree to which proposal coincides with program objectives

How do we apply?  return to top

• Applications are processed through the Community Programs Division at the State Office. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local Rural Development Office to discuss potential projects.
• For more information, access to the Notice of Funding Availability, and to obtain application documents, visit the National Office website at http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:
keith.bastow@ia.usda.gov
Iowa Rural Development
Revised on: April 16, 2008