School

DEC Municipal Funding for Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives

The goal of this funding program is to assist municipalities in starting or expanding municipal food scraps recycling programs. To ensure equitable access and development of food scraps recycling opportunities for all New Yorkers, this year’s opportunity will prioritize the first half of available funds for eligible projects serving Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged communities.

Eligible Recipients:

Under this grant program, a municipality is defined as a:
* County, city, town or village 

* Local public authority 

* Local public benefit corporation (as established by New York State law) 

* School district, supervisory district, and improvement district 

* Native American tribe or Nation residing in New York State 

* Combination of the above 


Private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and State agencies are NOT eligible to receive this funding. However, eligible municipalities may partner with these types of organizations on an application if the municipality is the lead applicant.

Eligible Projects:

The following types of projects are included in this opportunity:

  • Creating or expanding programs to increase residential food scraps recycling
  • Creating or expanding food scraps recycling programs and facilities

Funding Source:
NYSDEC

Funding Amount:
Approximately $2 million is available for Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives Grants. Funding for this grant opportunity was outlined in the 2021/22 NYS Budget, making funds available through the Environmental Protection Fund (which provides funds dedicated to environmental projects including those to help municipalities meet environmental goals and mandates). The first $1,000,000 will prioritize eligible projects that dedicate at least 50% of the total requested funding to serving environmental justice communities.

 NEW in 2023: Approximately $750,000.00 has been allocated to this grant program to fund additional applicants. This funding was included in the 2023/24 New York State Budget, making funds available through the Environmental Protection Fund.

Deadline:
Awards will be given to applications receiving a pass score in the order they are submitted in Grants Gateway, until DEC withdraws this request for applications, funds are exhausted, or October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM EST, whichever comes first.

Contact:
Sally Rowland
organicsgrants@dec.ny.gov

More Information:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/97456.html#Funding_Opportunities

Walmart Local Community Grants

Our local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S.

Eligible Recipients:

Organizations applying must meet one of following criteria:

  • An organization holding a current tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within the United States, classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) (Types I or II); and CyberGrants FrontDoor verified.
  • A recognized government entity: state, county or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes and CyberGrants FrontDoor verified.
  • A K-12 public or nonprofit private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university; or a church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets and CyberGrants FrontDoor verified.
  • NOTE: Non-charities, including organizations recognized as 501(c)(4)s, (c)(6)s, and (c)(19)s
    like homeowner’s associations, civic leagues, or volunteer fire companies, are not eligible at this time.

Eligible Projects:

There are eight (8) areas of funding for which an organization can apply. Please review the areas listed below to ensure your organization’s goals fall within one of these areas.

  • Community and Economic Development: Improving local communities for the benefit of low-income individuals and families in the local service area
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering the building of relationships and understanding among diverse groups in the local service area
  • Education: Providing afterschool enrichment, tutoring or vocational training for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
  • Environmental Sustainability: Preventing waste, increasing recycling, or supporting other programs that work to improve the environment in the local service area
  • Health and Human Service: Providing medical screening, treatment, social services, or shelters for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
  • Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating: Providing Federal or charitable meals/snacks for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
  • Public Safety: Supporting public safety programs through training programs or equipment in the local service area
  • Quality of Life: Improving access to recreation, arts or cultural experiences for low-income individuals and families in the local service area

Funding Source:
The Walmart Foundation, Inc.

Funding Amount:
Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000.

Deadline:
Grant applications for calendar year 2023 will be accepted on a quarterly basis. Deadlines for submissions are as follows:
Quarter 1: Feb 1 – April 15
Quarter 2: May 1 – July 15
Quarter 3: August 1 – October 15
Quarter 4: November 1 – December 31

Applications may be submitted at any time during each quarter funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed prior to the next funding cycle.

More Information:
https://walmart.org/how-we-give/local-community-grants

NYSAR3 Green School Grant Program

NYSAR3 established a grant program for public and private K-12 schools for implementation or expansion of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, and composting programs.

Eligible Recipients:

All public and private, K-12, schools in New York State are eligible to apply for funding. Applicants and programs must:

  • Be a public or private school, Grades K-12, located in New York State
  • Include a goal to increase awareness or minimize waste through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and/or composting
  • Agree to share program information and data with NYSAR3

Eligible Projects:
The Board strongly encourages all applicants to reach out to their Town/County/Authority Recycling Coordinator (list found on http://www.nysar3.org) for help in developing programs and developing strategic partnerships with local businesses, parent organizations, other institutions, etc. to help maintain waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs at schools. Projects must be centered around the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) and composting.

Funding Source:
NYS Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling (NYSAR3)

Funding Amount:
Up to $1,000 per school.

Deadline:
Awards will be made annually on a competitive basis. This round of 2023 applications has been awarded.

Contact:
NYSAR3
1971 Western Ave, #1180, Albany, NY 12203
nysar3greenschoolsgrants@gmail.com

More Information:
https://www.nysar3.org/page/green-school-grant-program-16.html