The 2025 Community Recycling Awareness Grant (CRAG) is offered by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District to support cities, villages, and townships within Cuyahoga County in educating residents about waste reduction, recycling, composting, and proper disposal. Grants of up to $6,000 are available for projects that promote awareness and best practices for sustainable waste management.

Eligible projects include recycling awareness and education campaigns, the purchase of recycling and composting containers with appropriate signage, hosting paper shredding or special waste collection events, and other education or awareness projects aligned with the grant's goals. For shredding events, a maximum of two per applicant will be funded, and they must include an educational component. Proposed expenditures must adhere to District guidelines, and pre-approval for all printed materials is required for reimbursement. Funding cannot be used for promotional giveaways, standalone trash containers, labor costs for events, or unrelated items.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application that includes a project narrative, budget breakdown, quotes or estimates, and supporting documents. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on February 3, 2025, and must be mailed or delivered to the Solid Waste District office. Key grant timelines include the announcement of awards in March 2025, the project implementation period from March to October 2025, and the final submission of the Grant Summary and Reimbursement Report by November 3, 2025.

Grant recipients are selected based on criteria such as the project’s potential impact on waste reduction, the clarity and feasibility of the proposal, cost-effectiveness, and the applicant's adherence to guidelines in past grants. Approved projects must align with the District’s goals and demonstrate educational value to the community.

This is a reimbursement grant, requiring grantees to keep detailed financial records and submit proof of expenses along with the final report. Assistance with messaging, design, and best practices is available through the District. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the District's templates and resources to maintain consistent recycling messages.

For more information, contact Cristie Snyder, Communications Specialist, at (216) 443-3707 or csnyder@cuyahogacounty.gov. This grant offers an opportunity to enhance community recycling initiatives while fostering environmental stewardship throughout Cuyahoga County.