Kentucky Pride Fund Recycling Grant

The Kentucky Pride Fund Recycling Grant is administered by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet through the Department for Environmental Protection's Division of Waste Management. This grant program was created following the passage of Senate Bill 50 in 2006, which authorized the establishment of recycling and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) management grants under the Kentucky Pride Fund statute. Its primary goal is to transform limited state funds into efficient, cost-effective projects that enhance Kentucky’s recycling infrastructure and public education on recycling and HHW. Priority is given to regional recycling efforts and HHW programs, especially those with approved interlocal cooperative agreements between counties or municipalities. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, school districts, waste management districts, urban-county governments, and other political subdivisions of the state, as well as combinations thereof. The program particularly encourages joint applications from multiple counties or entities working collaboratively. Applications must be thorough and clearly communicate the goals, financial viability, and anticipated outcomes of the project, as unclear or incomplete submissions are often scored poorly. The grant application for the 2026–2027 cycle is due by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and may be submitted by email (preferred), postal mail, or hand delivery. Grants awarded through this program must comply with a number of financial and operational requirements. Each project must demonstrate financial sustainability beyond the grant period, and all grant-funded recycling equipment must be properly maintained for its useful life. Grantees are required to submit quarterly progress reports throughout the grant period, with a final report due July 15, 2027. Grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2027, unless a written extension is approved at least 60 days prior to this date. Importantly, any grant funds not spent or used inappropriately must be returned within 45 days of notification by the Cabinet. The grant provides funding for specific eligible expenditures, including vertical and horizontal balers, conveyors, forklifts, loaders, scales, trailers, recycling dumpsters, and educational materials. Equipment must be directly tied to the collection, processing, or education related to recycling efforts. Up to 25% of the grant may be used for school classroom recycling containers. Advertising expenses for recycling education and outreach are also allowable. On the other hand, ineligible costs include expenditures incurred before July 1, 2026, general utility bills, construction or rental costs, PPE, office supplies, and promotional items. The grant requires a 25% local match, which may be provided as in-kind or cash contributions. Examples of allowable match contributions include staff time, volunteer hours, building modifications, and curbside recycling containers under specific conditions. Federal or other state grants may not be used as part of this match. The application must include detailed descriptions of the proposed project, its service area, materials to be collected, operational plans, sustainability measures, and a twelve-month timeline. Applicants must also list potential buyers of the collected materials and describe their advertising and education strategies. All completed applications must be sent to the Division of Waste Management’s Recycling Assistance Section. Applicants are encouraged to authorize their governing official to sign the agreement without requiring a special meeting, in order to expedite processing. Key contacts for assistance include Grant White, Donald Atha, Ty Collins, Jenny Carr, and Jon Durbin, with phone numbers and emails provided in the application packet. The performance period for awarded grants is July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Clearly address all application components and demonstrate project viability to avoid low scores.