Request for Proposals
Guidance
Community POWER:
Partners On Waste Education and Reduction
The Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) is looking for applicants to propose new and
innovative ways to educate and actively engage residents to recycle more, reduce waste and reuse,
compost yard and food waste, and plan green events.
 Two levels of funding: Up to $5,000 or up to $12,000 for an environmental project.
 Receive training, support and resources to implement your project.
 Actively involve your audience, your members, your students, or your neighborhood.
 Help promote RethinkRecycling.com, as part of the SWMCB’s outreach to Twin Cities residents
and businesses.
Your go-to guide for waste & recycling in the Twin Cities.
The purpose of the Community POWER program is for SWMCB to partner with non-profit organizations,
such as community groups and schools, to reach individuals who are not currently involved in waste and
toxicity reduction and recycling practices. Successful applicants will increase residential awareness of
waste issues and engage participants in waste reduction activities, leading to long-term behavior change.
Changes to this document will be posted to www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants by March 17, 2014.
Application Deadline:
Noon on Monday, March 24, 2014
Community POWER contact:
Kira Berglund, Grant Program Manager
Phone: 651-222-7227
Email: CommunityPower@RethinkRecycling.com
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 1
Application Submission Guidelines
Prospective applicants must submit an on-line proposal. The on-line proposal form can be accessed at:
www.RethinkRecycling.com/Grants. Applicants should strive to be as accurate and complete as possible
when describing their plans; however, it is understood that some details may change as plans develop.
Applicants may submit more than one application for different projects; however, no more than one
project per fiscal agent will be funded. School districts, however, may serve as a fiscal agent to more than
one applicant, such as projects submitted by different schools or community education programs.
Electronic Submission—Required
Fill out the on-line proposal, which can be accessed at www.RethinkRecycling.com/Grants, click on “How
to Apply for a Grant”. You will be able to upload workplan and budget documents from the application link.
Please see the online sample timeline, project goals and description, and budget for more information.
The Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) reserves the right to reject late submittals.
Faxed applications will not be accepted.
Available Funding
In 2014, approximately $164,250 is available for Community POWER projects.
Two grant levels
1. Mini-Grants of up to $5,000 are available for education and train-the-trainer projects using the
Community POWER Toolkit or other existing Rethink Recycling or county materials.
2. Traditional Grants of up to $12,000 are available for comprehensive projects involving
development of curriculum or materials, adapting existing toolkit and/or county materials for new
audiences, and/or implementing a train-the-trainer program.
a. NEW IN 2014: Two-Year Traditional Grant Awards PILOT- Interested applicants can
propose a project that will begin in the 2014 round and be expanded in the 2015 round,
with a grant award of up to $12,000 in each round. Assuming there are sufficient grant
funds allocated by SWMCB and the grantee has met expectations for their project activities
in year one (2014 round), the grantee will receive the year two award to continue their
activities in the 2015 round without being required to reapply.
It is anticipated that a minimum of one project will be funded in each of the six SWMCB member counties:
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington.
New Applicant Eligibility
Organizations that possess the following characteristics are eligible:
 Geographical Service Area: Organizations that involve or serve residents in one or more of the six
SWMCB member counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey or Washington.
 Organizational Status:
o
Organizations that possess a 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
o
An organization that does NOT possess a 501(c)(3) non-profit status is only eligible to apply
if a partnering organization that possesses a 501(c)(3) non-profit status agrees to act as the
fiscal agent for the purposes of the grant.
 Public and private K-12 schools and programs sponsored by school districts. School projects
must involve collaboration and education with others in the community beyond the school who will
have a stake in the success of the project.
 Organizational Focus
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 2
o
Traditional Grants: Open to organizations with a “non-environmental” focus. If the
organization’s primary mission includes an environmental focus, the organization must
partner with one or more non-environmental organizations and propose to reach new
audiences beyond their traditional audiences.
o
Mini Grants: Mini-grants ARE open to environmental organizations with the exception of
those with a primary mission or goal of waste reduction.
Organizations that are ideal Community POWER partners possess:
 A direct line of communication to their members, students, constituents or new audiences
 An existing framework and established audience to implement community projects
Examples of past recipients: (For a list of past grantees visit www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants/granteeprojects-all)
 Neighborhood associations
 Community organizations
 Schools and parent organizations
 Arts organizations
 Block nurse programs
 Social service providers
 Congregations
 Youth organizations
 Immigrant organizations
 Seniors groups
Eligibility of Past Community POWER Grantees
 Successful past grantees of Community POWER, who have received funds for only ONE grant cycle,
may reapply to build on their previous Community POWER accomplishments.
 Past Community POWER grantees that have received TWO traditional grants are only eligible to
apply for a mini-grant.
 Past grantees that have received Community POWER funds for three grant cycles are ineligible to
reapply.
Past grantees are strongly encouraged to contact the Community POWER Grant Program Manager to
discuss the options as a past recipient. A list of previously funded organizations can be found at
www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants/grantee-projects-all.
Additional eligibility criteria for past Community POWER grantees:
 Proposed project must involve a higher number of people than the first project.
 Proposed project must reach people who were not reached through the first project.
 Past grantee applicants must commit to sustain project elements after the funding period.
 Past grantee applicants must include a detailed plan for disseminating results of the project to other
organizations that could replicate it.
 Past grantee applicants must have an excellent track record of completing goals, activities, and
required reports.
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 3
 Past grantee applicants must contribute a match of at least 100% (cash or in-kind) of the requested
amount to the project. Documentation of the match will be required in all reporting documents.
Non-Eligible Groups
 City, county, and state agencies (aside from school districts); or cities, townships, and counties.
 For-profit businesses and organizations.
Non-eligible groups are encouraged to be involved in Community POWER projects as a partner with an
eligible organization. In addition, individual counties may have ways to support groups that are not eligible
for Community POWER projects; contact the Grant Program Manager for more information.
Insurance Requirements
SWMCB requires general liability insurance coverage of at least $1,500,000; automotive liability coverage
of at least $1,500,000; professional liability insurance coverage of at least $1,500,000; and workers’
compensation coverage or certification of excluded employment from workers’ compensation
requirements. If applicants do not have the insurance coverage listed above, SWMCB may be willing to
provide waivers. The SWMCB Risk Manager will make the final decision regarding all waiver requests,
which you can note on the web application form. For questions on insurance coverage, contact the
Community POWER Grant Program Manager at 651-222-7227 or via email at
communitypower@rethinkrecycling.com.
Selection Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:
All projects must include recycling education. For example, educate on what can be recycled in your
community.
If a project includes meetings or events, applicants must take efforts to make them “green” or waste-free.
Please review the Green Your Events chapter of the Community Education Toolkit for more information.
Project Focus: Priority will be given to applicants that focus on one or more of the following topics:
Waste Reduction: Teaching residents to reduce the amount of garbage created at home by not
generating waste or encouraging materials reuse.
Recycling: Teaching residents to understand what can be recycled in their community and about
products made from recycled materials.
Toxicity Reduction: Teaching residents how to use and dispose of toxic products safely and how
to choose less toxic products.
Composting: Teaching residents how to compost organic waste at home.
Green Events: Use the Green Event toolkit resources to reduce waste at green events and develop
case studies. Please refer to the Greening Your Events chapter of the Community Education Toolkit
for more information.
Project Activities must include:
Action: Activities that actively engage the residents in waste reduction, toxicity reduction, and
recycling in one or more of the project focus areas listed above.
Education: Activities that educate residents on the topics of waste reduction, toxicity reduction,
and recycling in one or more of the project focus areas listed above.
Sustainability: Activities that could extend beyond the grant period without grant funding, and
activities that could be used or replicated by other organizations.
Audience: Applicants must focus on helping RESIDENTS change their waste reduction, toxicity reduction
and recycling behavior at home.
 Applicants are encouraged to focus on existing networks and audiences.
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 4
 Community POWER also seeks projects that engage ethnic minority groups.
Appropriate Use of Funds and Restrictions
Funds may be used for the following:
 Materials
 Supplies
 Printing
 Dissemination of information
 Salaries devoted to education, outreach and program/curriculum development. Salaries for
administrative costs such as supervisory and reporting time will be limited to 10% of the grant
amount.
 Outreach expenses
 Durable equipment with the value of over $1,000 and items meant to be used beyond the grant
period may be allowed, but a cost-share may be required. This might include books, sewing
machines, gardening equipment, and media equipment like cameras, etc.
 Recycling and compost bins will be allowed if used for demonstration or instructional purposes. If
used as a give away, then a cost-share may be required.
 Incentives/giveaways must be appropriate to the activity.
 Fiscal management fees are not allowed.
 Other items as agreed to by the SWMCB and its representatives.
Projects That Do NOT Fit Community POWER
The following may be valuable, but are not a good fit for the Community POWER regional program.
 Projects focused on improving a business’, organization’s, or school’s own internal waste systems.
 Projects that include collection of hazardous materials.
 Projects focused on energy or energy conservation.
Required Evaluation Tool Information and Samples
All Traditional grant projects will administer evaluation questions to the people engaged in the project that
help measure behavior changes resulting from the project. A list of over 20 questions will be provided to
each grantee and the grantee selects the questions from the list that are most relevant to their project.
Grantees may administer the questions in whatever way best fits the project. The Community POWER
Grant Program Manager will assist groups in planning the best way to administer the questions.
A sample of the evaluation tool can be viewed at www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants/how-apply-grant.
Support and Resources for Completing the Application
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Community POWER Grant Program Manager while
preparing the proposal. Kira Berglund, Community POWER Grant Program Manager, can provide feedback,
evaluation guidance, and information on resources. Contact Kira at
CommunityPOWER@RethinkRecycling.com or call 651-222-7227.
Information Meeting
Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational meeting prior to submitting a proposal. Preregistration is not necessary.
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 5
Thursday, February 27, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Roseville Public Library, Community Room
2108 North Hamline Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113
Review Process
 All proposals are due by noon, March 24, 2014.
 During the review process, the committee may choose to follow up with questions or to perform a
site visit to the applicant’s office or program delivery location.
 All applicants will be contacted the week of May 19, 2014 on the status of their application.
Program Timeline
Application Process
Release of Request for Proposals
Informational meeting
Proposals due
Review of full proposals
Site visits & questions (if requested)
Announcement of selected proposals
January 28, 2014
February 27, 2014
March 24 by 12:00 p.m.
March 25 – May 21, 2014
April 14 – May 2, 2014
Week of May 19, 2014
Contract Process
Contract negotiation
Project duration (grant period)
May 19 – August 1, 2014
August 25, 2014 – August 21, 2015
Project Timeline
Projects begin
Individual grantee meetings (required)
New grantee orientation (required)
Grantee training (required)
Progress reports due (required for Traditional grants only)
Projects end
End of project celebration (required)
Final reports due (required)*
August 25, 2014
August 25 – October 3, 2014
September 2014
November 2014
March 9, 2015
August 21, 2015
September 2015
September 2015
*Mini grant projects may submit whenever project is completed during the grant period
Expectations and Reporting Requirements
All groups awarded a contract through this program will be required to fulfill the obligations described
below.
1. Attend the grantee orientation, training session, and the final celebration. The orientation
is scheduled to take place in September 2014. The training session is scheduled for November
2014. The final celebration is scheduled to take place in September 2015 (actual dates TBD).
Additional trainings for grantees may be offered and attendance is strongly encouraged.
2. Complete one progress report and one final report. Documentation of activities and
expenditures must be submitted with reports. Mini grantees only required to submit a final report.
3. Evaluate project activities and behavior changes made using a standard evaluation tool.
The tool, designed to measure participant behavior change, can be customized to fit your project.
Mini grantees not required to use the behavior change survey tool.
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 6
4. Disseminate information about your activities to additional "peer" groups. For example,
present information at a conference or meeting of organizations similar to your own or write an
article for a publication that reaches other groups.
5. Recognize the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board as the source of funds in
publications, presentations, websites, at events, etc.
6. Promote the Rethink Recycling website, www.rethinkrecycling.com, in newsletters,
websites, and any new promotional items produced with Community POWER funding. Grantees are
encouraged to use the Community Education Toolkit.
7. Use pre-approved language in educational and outreach materials or secure approval of
language. Templates will be provided and staff in each county are available to review technical
writing.
8. Secure approval for any changes to the work plan, major activities, staff, or budget from the
Community POWER Grant Program Manager.
Definitions & Project Resources
Community POWER grantees are strongly encouraged to use previously developed resources, some of
which you can review in the grants section of the Rethink Recycling website. Below are definitions of key
terms and where to find project resources. Examples of past Community POWER projects are posted at
www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants/grantee-projects.
Waste Reduction and Reuse
When we avoid making garbage in the first place, we don't have to worry about disposing of waste or
recycling it later. Stop waste before it starts.
 Rethink Recycling: Reduce
 Rethink Recycling: Reuse
 Reduce & Reuse chapter of the Community Education Toolkit
 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Reduce.org
 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Living Green Citizens: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Toxicity Reduction
Some household products found in kitchens, basements and garages may contain materials that are
hazardous to people and the environment and need to be disposed of properly. More information can be
found at the following websites:
 Rethink Recycling: Reducing toxins in your home
 Rethink Recycling: Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Sites
 Toxicity Reduction chapter of the Community Education Toolkit
Wasting Less Paper
Production of recycled paper uses 65% less energy than paper production using raw materials.
Metropolitan Area residents can recycle more paper that we think – 21% of our household garbage is
recyclable paper!
 Rethink Recycling: Paper reduction tips
 Rethink Recycling: How to reduce your junk mail
Composting
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 7
Composting is easy and cheap! Residents can reduce their garbage by hundreds of pounds each year and
create a mixture that improves the soil.
 Rethink Recycling: Backyard Composting
 Organics Management chapter of the Community Education Toolkit
 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Living Green Citizens: Composting
Recycling
Projects must include recycling education activities.
Approximately one-third of what residents in the Twin Cities area throw away could be recycled.
 Rethink Recycling: Recycle
 Recycling chapter of the Community Education Toolkit
Green Events
Applicants are encouraged to plan “green” or low-waste events as part of their project proposal.
 Rethink Recycling: Event Planning
 Green Your Event chapter of the Community Education Toolkit
Program Background
Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board
The Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) is the issuing agency for the Request for
Applications. The SWMCB, formed in 1990, is a joint powers board comprised of two county
commissioners each from Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also serves as an ex-officio member. The mission of the SWMCB is to
increase the efficiency and environmental effectiveness of the region’s solid waste management system.
Community POWER Program
The SWMCB began the Community POWER grant program in 2001 as a way to partner with nonenvironmental, nonprofit organizations to promote www.RethinkRecycling.com (the SWMCB’s public
information website) and to educate residents about waste reduction, toxicity reduction, and recycling.
Since 2001, Community POWER has completed 12 grant rounds, which have provided funding to over 100
community organizations. Community POWER will be entering its fourteenth year this year. Results of past
Community POWER grantees can be found at www.RethinkRecycling.com/grants.
Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board Rights
The SWMCB may require confirmation of information furnished by applicants. The SWMCB reserves the
right to:
1. Reject any or all applications if such action is in the public interest;
2. Cancel the entire Request for Proposals;
3. Issue a subsequent Request for Proposals;
4. Remedy technical errors in the Request for Proposals process;
5. Appoint evaluation committees to review proposals;
6. Negotiate with any, all, or none of the Request for Proposals respondents.
The Request for Proposals does not commit the SWMCB to enter into a contract, nor does it obligate the
SWMCB to pay for any costs incurred in preparation and submission of applications or in anticipation of a
contract.
2014 Community POWER Request for Proposals Guidance
Page 8