Grant Opportunities
The 2024 GRF Grant Application Period is now closed. Please check back next year.
Email info@glassrecyclingfoundation.org with any questions.
Eligible Grantees
Nonprofit entities
Municipal, county, city, and state governments
Public waste management districts
Publicly owned/operated MRFs or service providers
Note that grantees may have a partnership or association with a private entity, but grants will only be awarded to organizations that fit in one of the above categories.
Eligible Projects
The two categories of projects allowed under the grant program are demonstration/pilot projects and education.
1. DEMONSTRATION 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
Haulers/hauling systems to increase collection
2. 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/public education campaign about how to recycle glass in the community
Application Requirements
When applying, 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.
Project Metrics: List any impact metrics to support your project including pounds or tons of glass collected, pounds or tons of glass sent to beneficiation or end markets, the number of households served (outlining new vs. existing access), and the overall dollar / ton investment the project will aim to impact. Required metrics include:
New tons anticipated to be collected and recycled as a result of the project.
End markets for glass collected and recycled.
Number of households or population served, including new access for residents.
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 $30,000 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. Preference will be given to projects that aim to make progress within one calendar year of receiving grant funds.
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.
Previous Grant Recipients
