School Waste Reduction and Education Grant

School Waste Reduction and Education Grant

The 2026 to 2027 grant cycle will open Monday, Aug. 3, 2026! Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2026. Download and view the School Waste Reduction and Education Grant (PDF) application. You can fill out an application or print and fill out the PDF.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact 937-781-2667 or email Abigayl Cochran to discuss project ideas before submitting an application.

An informational webinar is available.

Eligibility
Kindergarten through 12th-grade public and private schools located in Montgomery County are eligible to apply. All grant activities must reduce waste in Montgomery County and/or provide educational opportunities regarding waste reduction and recycling to Montgomery County students and their families and guardians.

Funding
The District strives to fund qualified grants fully each year, however, grants can be highly competitive, and requests may exceed the amount budgeted for this grant cycle. Partial funding may be awarded. Grant funding is dependent on the approval of the 2026 budget.

Allowable Expenses:
Changes to school operations that significantly reduce waste generated by the school. For example, equipment or technology to significantly reduce cafeteria food waste, supplies to implement a cafeteria share table, or the purchase of a dishwasher and reusable tableware to replace disposable tableware.

Purchase of reused or repurposed material from a secondhand store. For example, the purchase of reclaimed lumber for a school theater project or the purchase of secondhand educational materials.

Recycling equipment such as containers and enhanced signage that increase accessibility and volume of school recycling. All containers should be of recycled content material when applicable.

NOTE: Schools interested in new or greatly expanded recycling service or food waste hauling at their location are encouraged to apply separately for the New Service Recycling Grant. For more information, please contact the District.

Recycled content equipment that helps to “close the loop”, such as recycled plastic playground equipment or recycled rubber mulch.
Composting equipment to implement small scale compost infrastructure. Please note that composting projects may fall under Ohio EPA regulations. For more information or to discuss the needs of your project, please contact the District for assistance.

Education initiatives to promote any of the above topics, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers resulting in implementation of waste reduction and recycling education in the school. All media and mailings must be approved by the District before publication.

Unallowable Expenses
Entertainment (food and drink expenses)
Travel and lodging costs associated with professional development
Over the road vehicles
Land acquisition
Personnel costs (consulting, grant writing fees, staff hours)
Collection services (recycling and food waste hauling).
Please utilize the New Service Recycling Grant for these services.

Signage
All grants must include plans for permanent signage stating the source of the funding, as well as recycled content of the product if applicable. For example, “This product is made from recycled plastic and was funded through a grant from Montgomery County Solid Waste District”. Signage must include the Montgomery County Environmental Services logo, which will be provided to successful applicants. Permanent signage is the responsibility of the applicant and will not be considered a grant reimbursable expense.

Accountability and Reporting Requirements
Grantees must submit two project reports: a preliminary report for reimbursement, and a final project impact report at the end of the 2027-28 school year. The following must be included in the reimbursement report:
Copy of all invoices for grant approved purchases and proof of payment of invoices (copy of front and back of cleared check). This documentation is required for reimbursement and must be submitted by October 15, 2027.
Photos of any equipment purchased through the grant.
Photos of permanent signage stating the source of funding as well as recycled content product.
Statement of Impact: Amount of waste reduced in tons or pounds or the number of people impacted by the project The following must be included in the final project report:
Amount of waste reduced or recycled through the project in tons or pounds.
Number of individuals impacted by the grant activities.
Project evaluation, including any major challenges or successes.
Photos highlighting the successful completion of the project.

Grant Evaluation Scoring System Grants will be scored by a committee of MCSWD staff. They will score each grant by applying the following scoring system:
Completeness of Application 25 Points
Executive Summary
Vendor Quote
Detailed Budget
Project Description
Collaboration Efforts
Relevance to Goals of the District 25 Points
Promotional Measures 20 Points
Education Efforts/Plan 20 Points
Ohio Vendor/Manufacturer 10 Points

School registered as a Green Business through Dayton Regional Green will receive an additional 10 points to their total score. For more information on this program, please visit http://www.drg3.org/.

The District may visit a project sight with reasonable notice to audit the expenditure of grant funds. We are excited about your project and would like to celebrate your success.