The Solid Waste Management Grants (SWMG) Program for Fiscal Year 2025 is managed by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and aims to support rural communities in reducing pollution of water resources and improving the planning and management of solid waste sites. The program provides grants to qualified organizations to deliver technical assistance and training. Specific areas of focus include addressing contamination from emerging contaminants like PFAS, enhancing disaster resilience, and improving overall solid waste management infrastructure.

The anticipated funding for the program is $4 million, although this depends on appropriations. There is no set minimum or maximum award amount, and the performance period for grants is from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Existing projects may compete for new funding through a reapplication process.

Eligible applicants include private nonprofit organizations, public bodies, Native American tribes, and academic institutions. Applicants must be legally established and meet eligibility requirements, including having tax-exempt status and a proven record of delivering similar projects. Private businesses, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by December 31, 2024. Applicants need to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in their application. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements for these grants.

Applications will be reviewed and scored based on criteria such as the experience of the applicant, population size and income of the area served, project goals, and alignment with agency priorities. Points are awarded for factors like supporting underserved communities, addressing climate resilience, and reducing pollution. Additionally, applicants may receive discretionary points from the RU.S. Administrator if their projects align with specific agency goals, such as promoting economic recovery in distressed areas or advancing environmental justice.

The selection process involves a review team evaluating eligible applications based on the established criteria. Projects scoring too low may not receive funding even if funds are available. Successful applicants will be notified in writing and will be required to comply with reporting requirements as stipulated in the grant agreement.

The program emphasizes nondiscrimination and ensures that all grantees comply with civil rights laws, including providing equal opportunity for faith-based organizations to participate. For further questions or guidance on the application, applicants can contact USDA personnel or access information on the SWMG Program website.