How to Write a Grant for Recycling in Ohio

Glass and cans are just a few of the recyclable materials that organizations process.

Aluminum, steel, plastics, paper, glass, appliances, computers, hazardous waste, yard and kitchen waste and scrap tires are just some of the recycling programs in development in the state of Ohio. Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District, for example, has given more than $87,000 in grant funding since 2000. That is one county investing in various types of recycling and recycling development. Requests for proposals can be obtained from governments and private foundations.

Instructions

Search and Prepare

1. 

   Electronic waste has its own recycling needs.

   Search for grants from the state and county checking their websites or contacting environmental agencies directly. The Ohio Department of National Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency both offer grants for recycling.

2. Look for grants online at databases like Foundation Center's online database, Guidestar, or FedCenter.com. Search using keywords related to your organization's mission and the program goals themselves such as "computer recycling" or "recycling education."

3. Utilize community resources such as other Ohio recycling sites or community foundations by asking if they are aware of any foundations or grant opportunities pertinent for your particular recycling program.

4. Gather proposal requirements by contacting the foundations from the information found online. Review a common grant application form from the Foundation Center website to get a feel for the general requirements but pay attention to the specific requests of each foundation.

Executive Summary and Narrative

1. 

   Detail if your program focuses on a particular material or a specific part of Ohio.

   Tell the foundation who you are by including your address, federal exemption number, mission and a short history. There are many recycling organizations in Ohio so briefly explain why you stand out.

2. Ask for the dollar amount you are looking for and outline your project. This first section is not detailed but you should communicate what type of recycling, where in Ohio and why you are implementing this program.

3. Create another section that explains your project in detail in relation to the mission of your organization and the foundation's own mission. This is where you elaborate on exactly what you are doing and how you are doing it. Communicate where you will receive your recyclables and what you will do with them afterward, as well as why your organization should receive funding over any other recycling program in Ohio.

4. Use data and persuasive writing to convince the foundation that your recycling program is pertinent and necessary. Numbers are important to convince the foundation that your program will be successful. Use data from University of Ohio studies or past state recycling research if it is available to show how much your program will help the environment.

Finances and Attachments

1. Show the foundation where your money goes by including budgets, profit and loss sheets and potential funding for all past, current and future years. Include information on past Ohio programs or past recycling programs to show beyond a doubt that your group is trustworthy.

2. 

   Extremely detailed budgets explain who is paid what and what materials are purchased.

   Include detailed program budgets that show where every dollar from the requested funding would go. Foundations want to know where their money is going and that it will be used effectively.

3. Attach proof of nonprofit status, lists of board and staff and annual reports from the past two years. The foundation may request other information, such as Ohio county recycling permits or proof of collaboration with a treatment plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to details such as how many copies are requested or whether they want stapled or paper clipped copies.

• Have many people read and review your proposal to ensure clear writing

• Check the submission deadline and mail the proposal with enough time.

References

• Earth911.com "Grants Promote Recycling in Ohio"
• The Foundation Center: Foundation Fundraising Course

Resources

• FedCenter.gov
• The Foundation Center's Foundation Finder
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources