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Build with Bags Grant Program
The primary goal of Build with BagsTM (BWB) is to tackle an environmental concern that has been receiving a great deal of attention – the use of plastic (and to some degree) shopping bags. To address this issue, the Build with Bags program has defined four primary goals:
1) Doubling the amount of plastic bags recycled over the next 24 months;
2) Reducing the use of plastic bags (with an additional benefit of reducing the use of paper bags);
3) Increasing the use of reusable bags; and
4) Encouraging the purchase of recycled plastic furniture and equipment through this grant program to aid parks and schools.
This grant program was developed to support the BWB program’s primary goal of increasing plastic bag recycling, which we believe is at the core of addressing the environmental issues surrounding plastic bag use. This grant program was initiated to support “closing the plastic bag loop” by demonstrating how recycled plastic bags can be re-used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture and equipment. Although there are a number of firms that provide recycled plastic content, furniture and equipment, the BWB program encourages grant recipients to use Iowa’s own Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls (www.plasticrecycling.us). Please note that to be eligible for the grant program, the recycled content plastic furniture and equipment to be purchased must be used at a park or school.
2011 GRANT PROGRAM SPONSORS
Gold - Recycling Leader - $5,000
Bronze – Recycling Friend - $1,000  GRANT ELIGIBILITY
The grant program is available to any governmental entity, organization (i.e. service clubs, non-profit organizations) within Iowa that purchase the items for a park or school. The items must be made of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (the base material for making plastic shopping bags). Those receiving grant awards must acquire the items and then show proof of purchase and payment before receiving reimbursement of the award.
GRANT LIMITS
A maximum grant of $2,000 is available. Each entity applying for a grant is limited to one application or project per year.
GRANT DEADLINES
The deadline for application is March 30, 2012. Grant awards will be announced on April 23, 2012 (the day after Earth Day). Notification will be made directly to each grant recipient and sponsoring Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) member, together with a press release and at the Iowa Grocery Industry Association’s website – www.iowagrocers.com.
GRANT APPLICATION, REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA:
Application Submission
Grant applications should be prepared in letter form and sent to:
Iowa Grocery Industry Association
Attn: Build with Bags Coordinator
2540 106th Street, Suite 102
Des Moines, Iowa 50322
Questions concerning the application process should be directed to IGIA’s Build with Bags Coordinator at 515-270-2628 or e-mail info@iowagrocers.com.
Selection Requirements
Each application must include the applicant organization’s contact information (address, phone number and e-mail address) along with a designated contact name with contact information. All applications containing the required information will be evaluated by the Build with Bags selection committee according to the following selection criteria.
Evaluation Criteria
GRANT SELECTION PROCESS
Grant applications will be reviewed by the Build with Bags selection committee to determine eligibility and application score based on the selection criteria. Incomplete or insufficient applications will be returned along with an explanation concerning the nature of any missing or insufficient information.
The composite rating will be used to allocate grants from available funds. The selection committee will make a determination of award grant recipients and reserves the right to adjust the amount of a grant request based on available funds.
The remaining grant requests will be reviewed and weighted by the selection committee with each member of the committee independently evaluating the grants. The group will then meet collectively and share results with a final tabulation made from the composite ratings.
Geographic distribution will also be a consideration in determining award grant recipients.
GRANT REIMBURSEMENT
Grant funds will be provided to award recipients subsequent to furniture/equipment purchases. In order to receive grant award funds, award recipients must submit proof of purchase documentation to include:
1) A paid invoice;
2) A canceled check or similar verification of payment; and
3) Copies of media coverage and/or photos of the project, events and/or furniture or equipment. Proof of performance will be required before grant payment is issued.
Payment will be made within two weeks of submission of all appropriate information. Grant recipients are encouraged to identify “media event” times in advance if possible. Those events may provide an opportunity for the recipient, IGIA members, sponsoring organizations, BWB sponsors and program to gain recognition.
BUILD WITH BAGS PARTNERS
Iowa Grocery Industry Association – www.iowagrocers.com
Keep Iowa Beautiful – www.keepiowabeautiful.com
Metro Waste Authority – www.mwatoday.com
Iowa Department of Natural Resources – www.iowadnr.com
The Des Moines Register – www.desmoinesregister.com
Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls – www.plasticrecycling.us
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