The Event Waste Reduction Grant (EWRG) is offered by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) to support sustainable event management within Franklin County, Ohio. SWACO, a government agency focused on reducing landfill waste and promoting resource conservation, developed this grant to encourage environmentally responsible practices at local events. The program aims to lessen the volume of waste sent to the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill by promoting strategies such as recycling, composting, and food donation.
The primary objective of the EWRG is to provide reimbursement-based financial assistance to public events committed to waste reduction and diversion. The funding helps event organizers initiate or improve infrastructure and programs that facilitate activities such as waste sorting, reuse, recycling, and composting. In doing so, SWACO seeks to raise public awareness about the environmental benefits of proper waste management and to establish long-lasting sustainable practices within the community.
Events eligible for funding must be held within SWACO’s jurisdiction and during the calendar year 2025. They must be open to the public and have a minimum projected attendance of 2,000 people. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis from mid-January through August 1, 2025, and must be submitted at least eight weeks before the event date. A mandatory 20% cash match from the applicant is also required. Awarded projects must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Funding amounts vary based on the size of the event. Events expecting 2,000 to 10,000 attendees may receive up to $2,000, those with 10,000 to 30,000 attendees may receive up to $4,000, and events with 30,000 or more attendees are eligible for up to $6,000. No reimbursements will be made for purchases or activities occurring before the execution of a signed grant agreement.
Applicants are encouraged to reach out to SWACO’s Programs Administrator, Kristi Higginbotham, via email at grants@swaco.org or phone at 614-871-5100 before submitting applications. This pre-application consultation helps ensure alignment with program goals and funding eligibility. Additionally, resources such as best practice guides and webinars are available to assist applicants in preparing robust applications.
Since its inception, the EWRG has funded over 28 projects, contributing more than $80,000 to local events and helping divert over 146,000 pounds of waste from landfills. Notable recipients include the Dublin Irish Festival, Pelotonia, Green Columbus Earth Day, and the Columbus Arts Festival. These successful collaborations have demonstrated the significant environmental impact achievable through strategic community engagement and resource investment.
