Grant FAQ
Updated: January 3, 2025
Frequently asked questions about StopWaste grants are organized into the categories below:
Eligibility
My proposed project focuses on recycling and/or composting. Which grant category should I submit the application to?
Recycling and composting based projects ARE NOT eligible for this grant funding.
There are multiple grant categories, can I submit a grant application to more than one category?
No, applicants must pick one grant category and submit only one application per grant cycle.
Can previously awarded StopWaste grantees apply for grant funding?
Yes, organizations that have previously received a grant from StopWaste may apply for the January 6, 2025, grant cycle. However, current StopWaste grantees with open contracts are not eligible to apply for the Equipment Grants opening on that date. If you have questions about your organization's eligibility, please reach out to the appropriate grant category contact.
If my business or nonprofit is located outside of Alameda County but provides services in Alameda County, can we apply for funding?
Entities located in Alameda County are eligible for grant funding. Entities whose location is outside of Alameda are eligible to apply for grant funding if their projects are based in and/or prevent waste in Alameda County.
Can for-profit businesses apply for funding?
Yes, both for-profit and non-profit organizations may apply for funding in all grant categories with the exception of Surplus Food Donation Equipment (which is only available to nonprofit entities).
Can religious organizations (e.g., church, synagogue, etc.) apply for a grant?
Yes, any religious organization in Alameda County with a 501(c) (non-profit) designation can apply.
Can schools apply?
Individual schools and K-12 school districts are eligible to apply for both the Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants and the Reusable Transport Packaging Equipment Grants. Businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to partner with school districts to implement projects. To determine if your proposed project involving a school district qualifies for funding, contact the staff member for the relevant grant category. A letter of support from a school district administrator is required for eligibility.
Can an Alameda County government facility/department apply for funding?
No, Alameda County municipalities are not eligible for funding.
Are institutions eligible to apply?
Institutions such as research labs, healthcare facilities, colleges, universities, and fairgrounds are eligible to apply for both the Reusable Transport Packaging Grants and the Reusable Cafeteria Grants. However, they are not eligible to apply for the Surplus Food Donation Equipment Grant.
Is it an all-or-nothing application? For example, if we apply for the maximum and there is not enough funding (or funding will be more widely distributed), would the grant still be considered but for a lower funding amount?
Our grants team has previously awarded reduced grant amounts based on the number of applications received, available funding, demonstrated need, and the quality of applications. To ensure project feasibility, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds secured to complete the proposed project, even if awarded a reduced grant amount. While we may support projects with a reduced scope, we cannot fund projects that depend on raising or securing additional funding post-award for completion.
Administrative
Do I need to have insurance to be awarded funding from this grant program?
Recipients of the Reusable Cafeteria Grants will be required to maintain insurance for the duration of the grant contract. Please review the insurance requirements carefully to ensure your organization can meet them if awarded. Insurance must be obtained before the grant contract can be executed. Note that the Surplus Food Donation Equipment and Reusable Transport Packaging Grants do not require insurance.
Can I use the grant funds to pay for a new employee/position/payroll to implement the proposed grant?
No, grant funds cannot be used to pay for a new employee, position, or payroll expenses to implement the proposed grant. The Equipment Grants are strictly limited to funding eligible equipment purchases that support the goals of the grant category. Staff or volunteer stipends, or any payroll-related cost are not allowable under the three equipment grant categories.
To ensure your proposed project aligns with grant requirements, please review the relevant Equipment Grant category page before starting your application.
Is there a way to get feedback on the viability of a project before I submit an application?
Yes, we encourage applicants to reach out to discuss proposals/project ideas. You can find grant category contacts by clicking here.
Is there a way to provide feedback about the StopWaste Grant Application Process?
Yes, we encourage applicants to provide feedback about our grant application process. Please fill out our survey by clicking here.
Can funding be for an ongoing program, or does it need to be a new "replacement" program?
StopWaste funding goals are to support upstream infrastructure and services available in Alameda County. Requests for ongoing program support are eligible but priority will be given for projects that develop/expand these types of businesses and services.
If my proposal is awarded funding, when can we begin work, and when should the project be completed?
Projects cannot commence until the funding agreement has been signed and fully executed. Work on the project may only begin after execution of the agreement. Additionally, awardees must not make any purchases until they have received explicit approval from their grant manager. Funding cannot be used for equipment purchased prior to execution of the funding agreement.
Can an organization utilize a Fiscal Sponsor to apply for grant funding?
Yes, but you must utilize a Fiscal Sponsor that meets the following definition:
Fiscal Sponsor is an official fiscal sponsorship arrangement where the fiscal sponsor accepts tax deductible donations and grants on behalf of the sponsored project/organization. The sponsor accepts responsibility for the use of those funds and ensures the funds are used per the proposed project and utilized for charitable purposes, along with any additional grantor restrictions. To ensure this is not merely a pass-through of charitable dollars from the 501(c)(3) to the project, the IRS requires that the sponsor have “complete discretion and control” over the funds.
Funds from equipment grants cannot cover the cost of overhead or administrative costs incurred by a fiscal sponsor.
Please contact the grants team at swgrants@stopwaste.org for approval to utilize a Fiscal Sponsor in advance of submitting your application.
Grant Category Specific Questions
What types of equipment are eligible for Surplus Food Donation Equipment Grants?
Refrigerators, freezers, combination refrigerator & freezer units, storage shelving, reusable totes or bins, hot/cold boxes or packs, reusable cooler/pan carriers, reusable pallets/strapping, thermal blankets, dollies, utility carts, pallet jacks, scales (weighing equipment), cooking or food serving supplies; shipping & handling costs are eligible.
Is funding for Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants only available to those on the approved vendor list?
No, funding is available to organizations that are not on the approved vendor list. However, we strongly encourage partnerships and to facilitate this we have pre-qualified the reusable foodware service providers through our RFQ process. If you are looking for a partner, the approved vendor list is a great place to start! Providers on the approved list are also eligible to apply directly for a grant.
My restaurant would like to switch from single-use disposable containers to reusable ones. Can we apply for a Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grant?
No, projects replacing disposables with reusables at restaurants, cafés, or in retail food courts and markets are not eligible for funding. For these, refer to our Reusable Foodware Mini-Grants.
What types of equipment and foodware are eligible for a Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grant?
Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants can be used to purchase a wide range of reusable foodware, including but not limited to trays, plates, cups, bowls, and utensils. Funds can also cover dishwashing equipment such as dishwashers, drying racks, dish tables, and dish racks. Contact Ben Duggan at bduggan@stopwaste.org for guidance relating to eligible equipment.
What types of equipment are eligible for Reusable Transport Packaging Grants?
Funding is for equipment to support the switch from single- or limited-use packaging used in manufacturing, transportation, and/or distribution—to durable, reusable alternatives designed for many years of use. Typical examples of eligible equipment include, but are not limited to: durable plastic totes to replace cardboard shipping boxes, reusable mesh pallet wraps to replace disposable plastic wrap to secure pallet loads, durable pallets to replace typical wood pallets, durable intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) to replace single use gaylords/pallets. Contact mfay@stopwaste.org for guidance relating to eligible equipment.
Application Platform
What software does StopWaste use for its application platform?
StopWaste uses Good Grants. Check the Good Grants guide for applicants by clicking here.
Can I submit a Word document or a PDF application instead of using the online application platform?
No, applicants must use the online application platform to submit a proposal. To access the application platform click here. If you would like help with your application, please reach out to swgrants@stopwaste.org.
How do I use the Application Platform?
Learn more about our online application platform by watching this quick tutorial video.
What browsers and/or devices work best on the application platform?
All major browsers and both mobile and desktop devices will work.
Must JavaScript be enabled in my browser to use the application platform?
Yes, JavaScript must be enabled to use the platform. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Do I need to register an account to start an application?
Yes, you need to register an account to start an application. For help with registration, check out this Good Grants guide. Please add goodgrants.com and stopwaste.org to your safe sender list to make sure you receive important notifications about your application.
Do I need to accept cookies to work on an application/Why can't I see the entire application?
You must accept essential cookies or all cookies for the application platform to work properly. When you log in for the first time, there will be a Cookies in use banner at the top of the screen. You must accept cookies for the system to work. If you are having problems with the application, it may be because you did not accept cookies. Please log out of the application platform, and then make sure to accept cookies when you log back in.
Why can't I enter information into the application, and when I try my cursor becomes a crossed-out circle?
To access the main part of the application, you must first complete the eligibility tab, and click on the green Check eligibility button. If your proposal is eligible, there will be a confirmation message that you may proceed to the next stage.
Can I save my progress and finish my application later?
Yes, you can save your work by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the Save + next, or Save + close buttons. Applications are also saved automatically every 12 seconds while you work. After you submit your application, you can still return to your application to make any changes up until the deadline.
Can more than one person in my organization collaborate on writing and completing the application?
The system does not support more than one user at a time logged in with a specific set of credentials. Logging in with the same account by two different people at the same time can result in unsaved data and lost answers. You can download a PDF version of the blank application to share with your team so that they can work on the application offline, and then the main applicant can enter this content into the application platform.
I receive an "It is gone" message when I try to upload or open an uploaded document.
If your account stays open with no activity for too long, you will be unable to access uploaded documents, and may not be able to upload additional documents. To fix this problem, make sure to log out of your account and then log back in to continue work. Whenever you finish a work session on the application platform, we recommend saving and closing your application and then logging out rather than leaving your browser window open and staying signed in for extended periods of time.
Can I print out my grant application while I’m working on it?
Yes, log in to your account and while you are on the My applications page, click on the red PDF icon on the right side of the screen. This will download a PDF with all your completed questions and answers.
How do I know if I have completed the application and submitted all the right documents?
When you click on the Submit Application button at the bottom of the page, the platform will check if you have completed the application. If you have not completed all the requirements, you will see a red error message that your application is incomplete, and all the fields that need attention will be highlighted. If you have completed all requirements, you will receive the message “Thanks for submitting your application.” After submitting, you can still return to your application to make changes until the deadline.
I accidentally deleted part of my application. Is there a way to revert to an older version?
No, there is no way to revert to an older version or undo changes.
Can I get a copy of my completed grant application once I submit it?
Yes, after completing your application, log in to the application platform and click on the red PDF icon for the submitted application. This will download a PDF.
Where can I find my application that I already started working on?
Log in to your account on the StopWaste Application Platform. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and find your "in progress" application in the "My applications" section.
The application platform is not loading properly, what should I do?
If the application platform is not loading properly, it's possible that your web browser may be retaining an older version of the page and you need to clear your browser cache. For instructions on how to do this across a variety of browsers, click here.