Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia

The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to build and transform solid waste management infrastructure in tribal communities. This funding opportunity focuses on developing environmentally sound strategies for post-consumer materials management, including source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and other waste diversion methods. Projects funded under this program are expected to promote circular economies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve environmental conditions in tribal communities. The total anticipated funding for this opportunity is approximately $20,000,000, with a minimum award size of $100,000 and a maximum of $1,500,000. The EPA expects to make approximately 20 awards, including at least one per EPA region, depending on the quality and quantity of applications. The project period is up to three years, with an anticipated start date of March 2026. There is no cost-share requirement for this program. Applications are due March 14, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, as defined in 33 U.S.C. 4201 and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as well as intertribal consortia. Intertribal consortia must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility, including authorization from all member tribes to apply for and receive funding. Political subdivisions, individuals, for-profit organizations, and non-intertribal nonprofits are not eligible to apply. Projects must address one or more key objectives, including developing or updating plans for materials management, implementing data collection to measure waste diversion progress, increasing materials management infrastructure, identifying end markets for recycled materials, or demonstrating improvements in waste diversion rates. Examples of eligible activities include creating reuse centers, upgrading recycling facilities, establishing collection and storage infrastructure, purchasing recycling equipment, improving end-market access for recyclables, and conducting outreach and education on waste reduction and recycling. Applicants must submit a complete application package, including a project narrative, budget table and justification, and required federal forms. The project narrative must address project justification, the work plan with clear milestones, and anticipated results, including outputs and outcomes such as waste reduction or increased recycling rates. The EPA will evaluate applications based on the project’s alignment with program goals, the feasibility of the work plan, environmental benefits, measurable results, and the applicant's capability to manage the project successfully. Awardees are required to comply with federal regulations, submit quarterly progress reports, and measure outputs and outcomes in accordance with EPA requirements. Selected projects must support the EPA’s strategic priorities, such as promoting environmental justice and addressing climate change impacts in underserved communities. For pre-application assistance, the EPA will host two information webinars on October 16 and October 29, 2024, to review the application process and answer questions. Further resources, including application templates and guidance, can be found on the EPA’s SWIFR program website.