Who can apply?
Any Butler County business, government entity, non-profit organization or educational institution is eligible. Those interested must be willing to implement a new recycling program or improve an existing program and support long-term recycling goals. Your organization must also:

• Be located in Butler County, Ohio
• Provide a 25% grant match
• Be prepared to share information on program success with the District
• Submit an application by the December 12 deadline

When can my organization apply?
Organizations can apply online now through December 12. Because the online application form cannot be saved to your local PC, we recommend that you first prepare answers to the questions in the downloadable form. Then, when you are ready to apply online, you can go to: http://des.butlercountyohio.org/html/recycling/grantForms/GrantFormPg1.cfm

If you have any questions, please call the Solid Waste District at 887-3406 or send us an email.

How much funding is available?
$10,000–$15,000 in funding is available on a competitive basis. Grant awards range from $200 up to $2,900. Applicants must be able to match each dollar of grant funding with $.25 worth of cash or directly related cash valued services.

What are the allowable costs?
Grant funds must directly support implementation of grant-funded activities for the purpose of accomplishing program objectives. Funds requested from the District and matched by your organization must be used to:

• Purchase recycling equipment, e.g. small bins, large recycling "dumpsters", etc.
• Cover recycling service fees
• Develop promotional and advertising materials, e.g. brochures, flyers, etc.

Administrative overhead and personnel costs as well as vehicle and field trip expenses will not be funded by the District, but can be included as part of your organization's 25% match.

Who has received grant funds in the past?
The District has awarded more than $87,000 in recycling grants to 23 organizations since 2000. Past grant recipients include Aeronca Inc., Miami University, the YWCA, Oxford Community Arts Center, the City of Hamilton Parks and Recreation, St. Clair Township, Badin High School and several elementary schools.

When does the grant year begin and end?
The grant year follows each calendar year—beginning in January and ending in December.

What are the selection/funding criteria?
The District will give priority for grant funding based on the following criteria:

1. Level of Need—Applicant clearly identifies funding need.
2. Strength of Program—Proposed activities are innovative and attempt to enlist new behavior.
3. Evaluation—Applicant has the means & mechanisms for tracking results & measuring success.
4. Sustainability—Applicant demonstrates a commitment to long-term recycling.

All applicants will be notified as to whether or not their proposal was approved for funding within 60 days of the application deadline.

If my organization is awarded grant monies, how will funds be allocated?
Grant funds will be allocated on a 75% to 25% basis. The first allocation will be disbursed in February. The final allocation will be issued in July and is contingent upon a review of each grantee's mid-year report. Grantees will also be responsible for submitting a year-end report.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Environmental Specialist Mary Jo Lahrmann is the grant administrator and can be reached at 887-3406 or lahrmannmj@butlercountyohio.org. She can guide you through the application process and help with program development.