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Funding Opportunities

The Resource Hub is a collaborative platform for organizations aiding Western North Carolina local governments in recovering from Hurricane Helene. Initially, it serves as a space for partners to share and access accurate information, with plans to later allow local governments direct access while retaining some partner-only functions for coordination.

Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure Grants

Opportunuty Url:
https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisi...
Federal / State / Local / Private:
Federal
Disaster specific?:
Yes
Current Status:
Open
One time or recurring opportunity?:
One time
Responsible Organization:
NC DEQ
Contact info:
Matt James at matt.james@deq.nc.gov or 919-707-8142 Sandy Skolochenko at sandy.skolochenko@deq.nc.gov or 919-707-8147
Assistance Type:
Grant
Application Link:
Email completed applications to: matt.james@deq.nc.gov
Application Criteria:
Project title Applicant contact information Date of proposal submittal Project description (6 specific sections; see RFP) Special requirements (related to electronics recycling and construction projects; see RFP) Project term Timeline Project budget Certification
Partnership required?:
Yes
Rolling/ Fixed Deadline:
Rolling
Single or Multiple Deadlines?:
Multiple
Application Deadlines:
  • January 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Award announcement dates:
Within 3 months of submittal
Period of Performance :
Within 3 months of submittal
Who's Eligible?:
  • County
  • City
  • Councils of Government
  • Solid Waste Authorities
Who is not eligible?:
State agencies, universities and colleges, non-profits
Eligible Uses:
  • Solid Waste & Recycle Programs
Additional detail on uses:
infrastructure improvements, construction of new facilities to handle recyclable materials, reconstruction of recycling facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene, site development costs, related feasibility studies or engineering designs, equipment or vehicle purchases, equipment installation costs, and educational materials such as signs, mailers, handouts, or brochures. Eligible projects include: projects that will expand, rebuild, or improve waste reduction, composting, and recycling programs. Grant money may be used to build infrastructure and facilities, purchase equipment, and conduct related feasibility studies, or engineering designs to divert materials from the waste stream. There are special requirements for electronics recycling projects and construction projects. See the Request for Proposals for more information. Local governments must have a Tropical Storm Helene FEMA disaster declaration to be eligible to apply.
Prohibited Uses:
Employee salaries, administrative expenses such as overhead, utility costs, contracted collection costs, and/or payment for other contracted recycling services such as payment to a vendor for operating a household hazardous waste collection event. Preaward costs
Award Mechanism:
Pass-Through
Award Maximum:
$5,000,000
Total funding available:
$26,355,456
Match/Cost Share:
Yes
Match/Cost Share Details:
N/A
Payment Mechanism:
Reimbursement
Award Selection Criteria:
Applicants are encouraged to consider the following Award Criteria as they develop their grant proposals. 1. Demonstration of Need (0-30 points): Does the proposed project address a specific equipment or infrastructure need for the community? Will the project result in the long-term resiliency of waste reduction efforts in the region? Does the project replace or improve recycling or composting infrastructure related to the consequences of Hurricane Helene? 2. Planning (0-25 points): Did the Project Description include all necessary elements as outlined in the Required Proposal Format? Is the proposal accurately descriptive, well-researched, and backed by valid facts and assumptions? Is the project consistent with recycling or composting industry best management practices? 3. Waste Reduction Impact (0-25 points): Will the project contribute substantially toward reduction of the local waste stream, or will it substantially increase tonnage recovered through recycling or composting services? Will the project position the community with resilient waste diversion pathways to handle materials from future storm and weather events? 4. Efficiency / Cost-effectiveness (0-15 points): Does the project improve the long-term resiliency of the community’s waste reduction program? Will the project improve the efficiency or cost-effectiveness of the local waste reduction, recycling, or composting program? Does the project reduce the operating cost of a current service, or does it adopt practices proven to be cost effective in other communities? Does the project make investments that will continue to serve the community for years to come? 5. Joint Effort (0 or 5 points): One-party proposals will receive zero (0) points; multi-party proposals will receive five (5) points.
Specific Compliance Requirements:
Subject to federal compliance requirements
Procurement:
Federal and state law procurement
Resources, Pro Tips, Trainings
Pro Tip:
While a partnership is not required, 5 points are awarded to multi-party proposals. 1 proposal is allowed per jurisdiction, but you may include multiple items you want to purchase in that proposal. If one part of the proposal is denied, it does not mean the entire proposal is denied.
Trainings
Funding Resources