The EPA Region 4 Sustainable Materials Management Grants (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R4-LCRD-2024-11) is a program offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, aimed at improving community resilience and sustainability through sustainable materials management (SMM). The program provides funding for projects that address key SMM priorities in EPA Region 4, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Eligible projects must focus on either enhancing municipal recycling markets or implementing strategies to prevent food loss and waste in the region.

The funding opportunity has a total available funding of approximately $250,000, with awards expected to range between $50,000 to $125,000. EPA anticipates awarding 2-4 grants, with funding subject to the quality of applications and the availability of funds. Projects are expected to have a performance period of no longer than two years, beginning June 1, 2025. The application deadline is set for December 2, 2024, and applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

Applicants are required to select at least one of the two main SMM priorities for their projects. For recycling, projects may involve creating collaborative networks to strengthen recycling systems, improving market information for recovered materials, or encouraging public and private entities to utilize recycled materials to support economic development. For food loss and waste, projects could include developing policies to divert excess food, increasing food waste composting capacity, or improving public awareness of food waste prevention benefits, particularly in underserved communities.

Eligible applicants include state, local, tribal, interstate, and intrastate government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations formed under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Higher education institutions, including public and nonprofit institutions, are also eligible. However, 501(c)(4) organizations that lobby are not eligible for funding under this grant. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants, and all project activities must take place within EPA Region 4.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality of the proposed project and its alignment with EPA's SMM priorities, the extent of partnerships and stakeholder engagement, and the project's sustainability and alignment with community priorities. Proposals should clearly outline project tasks, budget, anticipated outputs and outcomes, and how progress will be measured. A well-developed plan for utilizing the awarded funds efficiently is also essential for evaluation.

The EPA intends to award cooperative agreements under this funding, which means there will be substantial involvement between the EPA Project Officer and the selected applicants throughout the performance of the project. This may include close monitoring, collaborative efforts, and review of procurement and key personnel. Applicants who are selected will be notified by February 28, 2025, with official award notifications expected by July 1, 2025. Progress reports and a final technical report will be required to ensure project objectives are met, and the results will contribute to EPA's goals of safeguarding communities and reducing waste.

For more details or assistance, applicants can contact Alyssa Kuhn at kuhn.alyssa@epa.gov or call 404-562-8197.