Education & Outreach Grant

From Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation

To enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment

Type of Support

Overview

The Education and Outreach grant is aimed at supporting local governments or other entities in their efforts to promote waste reduction and recycling best practices. It prioritizes projects that foster public/private or public/public partnerships, target adult audiences, and utilize suggested Recycling Partnership templates to support a Statewide Recycling Brand Campaign. The grant intention is to educate residents on recycling logistics - what, where, and when they can recycle - before considering additional funding for expanded outreach efforts. It is designed with a tiered recommendation system to ensure that fundamental outreach elements are achieved before funding expansions to programs. Furthermore, the grant seeks to encourage environmentally preferable purchasing as part of its broader objectives. A total of $100,000 is allocated for these grants, with applicants able to request up to $20,000 per project. A financial match of 10-50% is required, excluding in-kind contributions. Funding decisions will be based on the estimates provided in the application, and only materials listed in the application will be funded.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
TN
Organization Type
Tennessee counties
Cities
Solid waste authorities
Organizations designated as 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service
Other
  • Promotional giveaways funded only as part of a cohesive public education program
  • Local government must have minimum suggested materials and measures in place
  • Items considered only as part of a specific program with justification in the Education and Outreach Technical Narrative Response

Ineligibility

Applicants previously awarded a grant from the Solid Waste Management Fund in the last two years with open balances or unmet obligations
Individuals or entities applying for funding of yo-yos, Frisbees, litterbags, book covers, toys, kitchen utensils, Slinky's, key chains, zipper pulls, stickers, temporary tattoos, hand fans, pencils/pens, crayons, tote bags, letter openers.
up to 20k

Submission

Review Criteria

The Department is particularly focused on steering clear of promotional materials that rapidly contribute to the escalation of solid waste.