Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are available for an estimated $75,000 – $400,000. Projects must be 2 years long and based on a start date of January 31, 2025.

Applications are due by September 4, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. A 25% match of nonfederal money is required; this may be provided in cash, services, materials, equipment, or in kind donations.

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to:

• Local governments
• Special district governments (soil and water conservation districts, regional planning districts, landfill districts, etc.)
• Native American tribal governments
• School districts
• Tribal organizations

Program Goals

Food Waste Reduction Goals

• Reduce municipal food waste
• Divert residential and commercial food waste from landfills

Composting and Conservation Goals

• Create compost
• Increase agricultural producers’ access to compost
• Limit the use of chemical fertilizer by reducing reliance on it
• Improve soil quality
• Encourage waste management and permaculture business development.
• Increase rainwater capture, infiltration, or absorption

Program Priorities

Priority consideration will be given to projects that include:

• Ways to address environmental justice, racial equity, climate change, investment in underserved communities, and sustainable agricultural practices
• Integration of food waste reduction strategies that take the EPA’s Wasted Food Scale into consideration
• Expected economic benefits for the community
• Plans to make compost easily available to community gardeners, school gardens, and other producers
• Collaboration with multiple partners
• Plans for monitoring and evaluating lessons learned throughout the project

Allowable Expenses

Funds may be use for:

• Salaries and wages for employees of the applicant organization
• Fringe benefits for the above employees
• Travel 
• Equipment 
• Supplies
• Consultants and contractors
• Construction 

Applicants should use their negotiated indirect cost rate or the 10 percent de minimis cost rate.