SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT GRANTS | EPA LCRD SMMS 2021 1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the EPA Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Grants opportunity?

The EPA Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Grants opportunity is a discretionary grant competition that funds projects advancing the EPA Sustainable Materials Management Program within EPA Region 2. The program supports practical efforts that reduce environmental impacts and costs by preventing waste, improving reuse and recovery, conserving natural resources, and reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions tied to materials across their full life cycle.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is EPA LCRD SMMS 2021 1.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is listed under CFDA 66.808.

Which geographic area does EPA Region 2 cover for this grant?

EPA Region 2 covers New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indian Nations.

Do projects have to take place in EPA Region 2?

The solicitation emphasizes that successful projects should deliver benefits to states or communities in EPA Region 2. Proposals should clearly connect planned activities and outcomes to on-the-ground improvements in that geography.

What does Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) mean in this program?

SMM is the approach of treating materials and products as part of a full life cycle system rather than focusing only on waste at the end of use. In practical terms, it prioritizes preventing waste and reducing impacts associated with producing, transporting, using, and disposing of materials.

What types of outcomes is the EPA looking for under this grant?

Projects are expected to show concrete regional benefits in Region 2 and align with the SMM framework. The opportunity highlights outcomes such as preventing waste, improving reuse and recovery, conserving natural resources, and cutting pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials and products.

What are the two programmatic priorities for this funding opportunity?

The request for applications is focused on two priorities: (1) Sustainable Management of Food and (2) Sustainable Packaging.

What kinds of projects fit under the Sustainable Management of Food priority?

This priority generally includes work aimed at preventing wasted food, improving food rescue and redistribution, and diverting unavoidable food scraps to higher-value uses such as composting or anaerobic digestion. Examples described include building or improving collection and processing systems, developing community or institutional food waste reduction programs, targeted outreach and training, and partnerships that measurably reduce food waste and associated emissions.

Does the food priority include composting or anaerobic digestion?

Yes. The solicitation describes diverting unavoidable food scraps to higher-value uses, including composting or anaerobic digestion.

What kinds of projects fit under the Sustainable Packaging priority?

This priority centers on reducing the environmental footprint of packaging through better design, source reduction, reuse models, and improved recovery and recycling outcomes. Competitive projects typically address practical barriers such as contamination, lack of end markets, consumer confusion, or gaps in collection and sorting.

What are examples of activities mentioned for Sustainable Packaging projects?

Examples described include pilots for reuse and refill, initiatives that increase the quality and quantity of recyclable materials captured, education and labeling efforts tied to measurable behavior change, and collaborative approaches that align local governments, institutions, and industry around practical packaging solutions.

How much funding is available per award?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $85,000.

How many awards does the EPA expect to make under this notice?

EPA anticipates making about three awards under this notice.

Is this a formula grant or a competitive grant?

This is a discretionary grant competition.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligible applicant category is listed broadly as "Others," and applicants are instructed to consult the full announcement, particularly the eligibility section, for the specific entities that may apply and for any limitations or special conditions.

Where should applicants verify eligibility details and any special conditions?

Applicants should consult the full official announcement, especially the eligibility section, for authoritative eligibility details, limitations, and any special conditions.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The funding opportunity was created on May 7, 2021.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was June 18, 2021.

Should applicants rely on the original closing date listed in the summary?

No. Applicants are directed to the official announcement for authoritative instructions on submission methods, final due dates, and any updates.

What kind of projects appear most competitive based on the solicitation summary?

The summary suggests the grant is designed for targeted, implementable projects that fit squarely within the EPA SMM framework, align to either Sustainable Management of Food or Sustainable Packaging, and demonstrate measurable, concrete benefits to states or communities in EPA Region 2.

What does it mean to "clearly connect" project activities to Region 2 benefits?

Based on the solicitation emphasis, proposals should describe how their activities and outcomes will translate into real, on-the-ground improvements for communities or states in Region 2 (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the eight Indian Nations in the region).

What category is this opportunity listed under?

It is categorized under environmental funding activities.

Is the funding intended for large-scale programs or smaller targeted efforts?

The funding is described as relatively modest and intended to support a small set of strong projects, suggesting a focus on targeted, practical efforts rather than large-scale programs.