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This grant offering is now closed.
Please note that only the questions and answers
listed below apply to this grant offering.
Q. Would a creation of a "Reuse Yard" be eligible?
I'm thinking of space for gently used items to be dropped off for reuse,
maybe not for the initial intended purpose, but like a salvage yard with a
yard sale feel?
A: A "salvage yard" type of program, where
items could be donated for use by others, would be an eligible project.
Q. Consistently, we at Work Training Center Inc. are
asked to utilize recycled wood products. For example: bird house, bat boxes,
owl boxes, duck boxes, table tops, framing, the list goes on with the amount
of products companies are seeking to sell which utilizes recycled wood. We
have not provided that service mainly due to our chief fear of equipment
wear. This reuse grant would allow us to dedicate specific space and
machinery that can then process wood destined for a landfill into something
useful. We did take note of the wood milling provision written into the
ineligible lists. We do not consider planing down, jointing, or squaring of
wood, "milling." But you may have a different interpretation. I suppose what
I am asking is…with what is written above, are we still eligible to apply?
A. Planning down wood to make bird houses,
bat boxes, etc. would not significantly change the woods material
structure therefore would be considered an eligible project for the
Reuse Assistance Grant program. An ineligible project would be milling a
tree log into 2X4's to make bird houses, bat boxes, etc. or grinding
wood to make wood chips for landscape use.
Q. We are seeking matching funds for a Decon/Reuse
movie about a commercial project in California. The finished minutes will be
converted to rich media content, DVD and streamed on public access
television. Please apprise me of all restrictions for using the content for
any of the above. Reference Item E Copyright Acknowledgement on page 10.
A. Movies, documentaries, etc. are not
considered an eligible project for the Reuse Assistance Grants program.
Q. We have a garden at our school and would like to
compost the food waste from lunch. Would our school be directly eligible to
submit a grant through the school district? Is the school district
considered a public agency?
A. Through the Reuse Assistance Grants
program a school or school district is not considered to be a local
public agency. For the purposes of this program a "local public agency"
is defined as a city, county, or regional agency that has obligations to
develop and implement waste reduction programs (Application, page 1, Section B,
Applicant Eligibility). However, a school or school district may partner
with a local public agency to develop or expand a reuse program (Application,
page 1,
Section B., Partnering).
Through this grant program reuse is defined as using an item over
again in its current form without significant processing that alters its
material structure (Application page 1, Section A). Composting food waste would not
be considered an eligible project (Application page 4, Section D. Ineligible
Projects-composting) because the food waste would be significantly
processed in comparison to donating leftover food to a food bank for
consumption.
The California Department of Education has a
School Instructional
Garden Grant program.
Q. Does setting up a large-scale composting venue
(for zoo's food scraps and new compostable cups generated by our 3.5 million
visitors/yr) qualify as reuse?
A. No. Through this grant program reuse is
defined as using an item over again in its current form without
significant processing that alters its material structure (Application page 1,
Section A). Composting food waste would not be considered an eligible
project (Application page 4, Section D. Ineligible Projects-composting) because the
food waste and cups would be significantly processed in comparison to
donating leftover food to a food bank for consumption.
Q. I am working on a system of planting indoor
plants that use minimal water. It involves a pump that recycles the water
previously leached from the plant back into the soil. Could this project be
applicable for the Reuse Assistance Grant.
A: This project would not be considered an
eligible waste management project. This grant program targets materials
destined for the landfill and would exclude a water related project.
Eligible applicants are local public agencies required to develop and/or
implement waste reduction programs pursuant to the requirements of the
Public Resources Code 49000 et seq. (Integrated Waste Management Act of
1989.)
Q: Our City is considering the construction of a
clean MRF. We are seeking funding sources for the construction of the
facility. The project relates to reuse in that it would create an avenue for
the collection of recyclable materials that might otherwise end up in a
landfill.
A: Construction related expenses may be reimbursed through
grant funds or requested through matching funds depending on what
specific costs are being requested. All expenses, including construction
costs, under this grant program must be reasonable and cost effective.
However, using grant funds to create an avenue to collect "recyclable"
materials would not be considered an eligible project or eligible costs
as this program specifically targets reuse. Using grant funds to
establish a reuse program as part of the MRF operations may be
considered an eligible project as long as it meets the requirements and
intent of this reuse grant program. The Reuse Assistance Grants defines
reuse as using an item over again in its current form without
significant processing that alters its material structure (Application page 1,
Section A).
Q: Will you provide an example of a successful food
waste reuse project that has been funded through the Reuse Assistance Grant
program?
A: The City of Long
Beach has partnered with Food Finders, Inc., a local nonprofit
organization that specializes in the reuse of food, to expand their
operations in Long Beach. Food Finders accepts donations of food from
local markets, restaurants, and large venues and donates the food to
homeless shelters, senior centers, and other needy organizations. Since
Long Beach is the fifth largest City in California, there is an
abundance of food in Long Beach that can be salvaged. Long Beach is the
sixth highest City in the nation in terms of adult poverty and third in
the nation in child poverty (2005 U.S. Census Bureau Report), so the
reuse of food through Food Finders will help those that are impoverished
throughout the City of Long Beach. Approximately 1.5 million pounds of
food will be reused through this project each year, which equals 3.21
million meals, and enough food to feed 1,465 people 3 meals per day for
2 years.
Please note that the application submitted by the City of Long Beach
(Adobe PDF*, 1.3 MB) was
scored competitively and based upon the scoring criteria specific to the
fiscal year (FY) 2005/06 grant cycle. The scoring criteria, application instructions,
eligible projects and eligible costs have been changed so be sure your
application is solely based on the requirements of the FY 2007/08 grant
cycle. Hence, there is no guarantee that a proposal for a similar grant
project submitted this cycle will receive grant funding.
*If you require special accommodation to access this document pursuant
to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs
at (916) 341-6300 or opa@ciwmb.ca.gov.
Q: What would be considered an eligible food waste project specific to
the "Key Priority: Organic: food waste" section of the preference points
scoring criteria? Would that mean Food Banks – livestock feed - composting?
A: Food Banks for people would be considered an eligible
project for the Reuse Assistance Grants program. Using food waste for
livestock feed or composting would be considered recycling and
composting, therefore, considered an ineligible reuse project.
Q: We are considering refurbishing furniture, appliances and computers
for reuse by a local thrift store. What would be considered significant
processing that alters an items material structure? The materials to be
refurbished would be sold for reuse according to their original purpose.
A: Refurbishing furniture, appliances and computers would be
considered an eligible reuse project under the Reuse Assistance Grants
program. Sanding, planning, painting, replacing, repairing, and
reupholstering would be considered acceptable "processing" and still
within the requirements of the Reuse Assistance Grants program.
Significantly processing an "object" that alters its material structure
and/or alters its original use would include, but is not limited to:
- milling whole logs into 2X4's,
- chipping lumber into wood chips, and
- dismantling component parts of furniture, appliances and/or
computers and using them to make or repair other objects.
Q: The city is currently implementing a Backyard Composting program.
We have a multi day/ location events throughout the year where we sell
compost bins at a subsidized price to city residents. Would this qualify as
an eligible program through the Reuse Assistance Grants program? If not
which types of programs would?
A: For purposes of this grant, "reuse" is defined as using a
material over again in its current form without significant processing
that alters its material structure. Composting is not an eligible
project for this grant program (Application page 4. Section D.).
Depending on the material used to construct the composting bins, making
the bins may be considered an eligible reuse project. The following
types of programs are eligible projects:
- donation program of collected food waste to food bank for human consumption,
- reusing plants, trees, shrubs, and landscape materials by replanting
and/or reusing materials in a new location rather than composting the plants, and
- reuse/exchange program of theatre production materials between local acting groups.
Q: We are looking at submitting a grant to purchase reusable recycling
bags for multi family properties where we have just started ‘free’ recycling
programs for tenants and property owners as part of the garbage franchise.
The bags are made of recycled plastics and are intended to be used in the
home/apartment to cart recyclables from the apartment to the recycle
dumpster on the property. They are reusable and washable. Would this be
eligible since it is a recycling project?
A: The purpose of this program is to reduce/eliminate
potential waste material which is otherwise destined for a landfill, and
to encourage the establishment of tangible and long-term systems,
infrastructure, projects, and/or facilities that recover materials for
reuse. As such, the Reuse Assistance Grants are intended to fund
projects that reuse materials currently being disposed, rather than to
purchase new recycled materials. Recycling projects are ineligible under
this Grant (Application page 4, Section D.)
Q: The program we're proposing entails the collection,
sorting, organization, storage, and shipment of used apparel and other
textiles to clothe the needy in developing countries.
A: (1): "Significant processing" is defined as changing the
form of an item to the extent that the item is not capable of being used
again for its original purpose. A project that collects clothes for
export is eligible if the clothes have not undergone processing to the
extent that they cannot be used as clothing.
Q: (2): During the separation procedure, the City projects that 12,000
pounds can also be retained locally and resold as prom dresses, vintage
clothing, costumes, or donated to homeless shelters.
A: (2): Reselling and/or reusing prom dresses, vintage clothing, costumes,
etc. and/or donating the collected clothing to a homeless shelter(s) would
be considered an eligible project for this Reuse Assistance grant cycle.
Q: (3): Textiles that do not meet the standard for garment export are cut
and packaged for use as industrial rags that are then sold by the pound to
local businesses such as painters, mechanics, janitorial companies and
others. The City believes that 258,000 pounds of the separated textiles can
be recycled in this manner, negating the need to import an equivalent weight
of rags to California from national distribution outlets.
A: (3): This grant program defines reuse as using an item over again in its
current form without significant processing that alters its material
structure (Application, page 1, Section A). Converting (cutting) textiles
into industrial rags would not be considered an eligible project because it
requires "significant processing" that alters the materials structure.
Q: (4): Would converting acrylics and wool articles to fibers for use as noise reduction
stuffing material for automobile upholsterers or furniture makers be an
eligible project?
A: (4): This grant program defines reuse as using an item over again in its current form without significant processing that alters its material
structure (Application, page 1, Section A). On the surface, the activities
described could be considered reuse, as it appears that minimal processing
is involved. Items to consider are the scope of such a project and,
depending on the products to be created, the degree of processing that would
result in the activity no longer being considered a reuse activity, but
instead become remanufacturing or recycling. Converting acrylics and wool
articles into fibers would be considered significant processing, therefore,
not an eligible project.
Q: (5): Freight costs and rent for storage space are the two largest
expenses for this reuse effort. The process begins with the collection of
residuals and the subsequent separation and baling of clothing for shipping.
As logistics require, only full, 40-foot-long containers can be economically
transported. The current operation develops a little over one container for
shipping each month (48,000 to 50,000 pounds per container). Freight costs
are currently about $5,800 to $6,000 per container. Are freight costs for
overseas shipping eligible for grant funds and/or matching contributions?
A: (5): Freight costs and rent are eligible expenses
according to specific guidelines. All grant expenditures must be
reasonable and program related. The Grantee may claim overhead and
indirect costs up to five percent (5%) of the amount awarded. These
costs are expenditures not capable of being assigned or not readily
itemized to a particular project or activity, but considered necessary
for the organization’s operations and the grant performance. Examples of
overhead and indirect costs include, but are not limited to, costs of
operating and maintaining facilities, rent or lease expenses, accounting
services, and administrative and supervisory salaries. Rent
reimbursement is based upon the percentage of the building that is
proportional to reuse efforts and specific to this grant. Please note
reimbursement for rent expenses will only be reimbursed up to the five
percent (5%) (cap/limit) per total amount approved for each payment
request. All overhead and indirect costs must be supported by a cost
allocation plan. (Application page 4, Letter F).
Q: Would the reuse of mature trees and/or landscape plants be eligible
for the reuse assistance grant? We have situations where planted trees and
some plants maintained by the City are to be removed and could be used at
new locations. This would reduce the amount of new purchase and promote
material reuse within our community. The trees and plants would otherwise be
destined for disposal and the associated material waste.
A: Yes, reusing trees and/or landscaping plants by replanting
them at a new location would be an eligible project under the Reuse
Assistance Grant program. If an application receives a passing score in
the General Review category the application would be eligible to receive
up to 5 points in the Preference Criteria category because targeting
organic materials is a key priority waste for this cycle.
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Q: Our City is considering the construction of a clean MRF. We are
seeking funding sources for the construction of the facility. The project
relates to reuse in that it would create an avenue for the collection of
recyclable materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
A: Construction related expenses may be reimbursed through grant
funds or requested through matching funds depending on what specific
costs are being requested. All expenses, including construction costs,
under this grant program must be reasonable and cost effective. However,
using grant funds to create an avenue to collect "recyclable" materials
would not be considered an eligible project or eligible costs as this
program specifically targets reuse. Using grant funds to establish a
reuse program as part of the MRF operations may be considered an
eligible project as long as it meets the requirements and intent of this
reuse grant program. The Reuse Assistance Grants defines reuse as using
an item over again in its current form without significant processing
that alters its material structure (Application page 1, Section A).
Q: If a City needs kitchen or playground equipment for a Child
Development Center, would used equipment be an eligible expense under this
program?
A: The primary purpose of this grant offering is to encourage
the establishment of tangible and long-term systems, infrastructure,
projects, and/or facilities that recover materials for reuse that are
otherwise destined for disposal. Purchasing used equipment may be a
component of an eligible grant project and thus an eligible cost;
however, standing alone it is not an eligible project because it does
not further a long-term system/infrastructure/project and/or facility
that recovers material for reuse.
Q: Our budget will designate grant funds for rent costs. What is the
maximum amount that we can request for rent? How does this work with the
maximum amount that we can request for administrative cost associated with
preparing progress reports and other grant related paperwork, etc.?
A: Administrative costs (including overhead and indirect
expenditures) include costs not capable of being assigned or not readily
itemized to a particular project or activity, but considered necessary
for the organization's operations and the grant performance. Examples of
administrative costs include, but are not limited to, costs of operating
and maintaining facilities, rent or lease expenses, accounting services,
preparing progress reports and grant payment requests, and
administrative and supervisory salaries. The maximum amount eligible for
reimbursement is up to five percent of the amount awarded to the
grantee. For example, if the grantee was awarded $50,000 in grant funds
then their administrative cost cap would be $2,500. A grantee may
request reimbursement for administrative costs up to five percent
of the amount approved for payment. Additionally, rent reimbursement is
based upon the percentage of the building that is
proportional/equivalent to reuse efforts and specific to this grant.
Q: Can grant funds be used to pay for a reuse
project that has already been completed?
A: No. Funding is awarded for the
development or expansion of a reuse program within the specified grant
term. Eligible expenditures are those approved costs incurred after
receipt of the Notice to Proceed and prior to the end of the grant term.
For this grant cycle the end of the grant term is November 30, 2009.
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