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Community Outreach Program Zero Waste Funding
Devils Backbone

Circular Economy Funding - Previously known as ``Zero Waste Funding``

Background

Each year, Boulder County Public Works’ Resource Conservation Division (RCD) distributes $100,000* as part of its Circular Economy Funding Program, which was previously known as Zero Waste Funding. The Circular Economy Funding Program, has been in place for the past 27 years and has provided over $1.5 million to local groups seeking to advance the Circular Economy and make a real impact on climate change through innovative and progressive projects that enhance resource conservation and foster circularity in Boulder County.

Please submit any questions via email to obtain clarification of requirements concerning this funding opportunity by Friday, October 4, 2024. No inquiries will be accepted after this date. Inquiries should be directed to Michal Duffy at mduffy@bouldercounty.gov. Responses to inquiries will be published on this webpage by Wednesday, October 9. Applicants are not to rely on any other statements that alter any specification or other term or condition of this funding opportunity.

Funding breakdown

The $100K total funding is divided into two funding categories for applicants:

  • $25K dedicated to smaller projects with a minimum request of $1,000 and a maximum of $15,000
  • $75K dedicated to larger projects with a minimum request of $30,000 and a maximum of $75,000

The use of matching funds is not required. Local governments, non-profits, school districts, individual schools, and private companies may apply as long as the scope of work is within Boulder County and county-related insurance requirements are met.

Application and Funding Calendar

  • Circular Economy Funding application issued: Monday, September 30, 2024
  • Questions Due: Friday, October 4, 2024
  • Responses to Questions: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
  • Application Due: Friday, October 18, 2024 by 5:30 p.m.
  • Application Evaluations: October – November 2024
  • Announcement of Awards: December 2024
  • Start of 2025 project funding: January 2025
  • Funding Available for Reimbursement: April 2025
  • End of 2025 project funding and all reports due: Monday, December 15, 2025

Application & Forms

Applications for the 2025 Circular Funding year will be issued on September 30, 2024. Complete proposals must be received at the Resource Conservation Division office by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18 to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements and Project Criteria

Circular Funding projects provide an opportunity for, organizations and businesses to participate in Boulder County’s vision of becoming a zero waste community and closing the waste loop through circular economy practices. The details of this vision are outlined in the Boulder County Zero Waste Action Plan. In addition to programs supported in prior years, the 2025 focus will be on circular economy progress and supporting the newly passed legislation in Colorado including; focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), plastic pollution reduction, truth in labeling, and contamination in organic waste diversion. The county will also accept and consider applications for programs that fall outside of this limited focus. Established in 1997, this funding has awarded more than one million dollars for education and infrastructure initiatives that promote waste reduction and diversion.

For More Information

For inquiries or clarification of this program, contact Michal Duffy, Zero Waste Program Manager, mduffy@bouldercounty.gov

Applications and Forms

Applications for the 2025 Circular Funding year are now being accepted. Complete proposals must be received at the Resource Conservation Division office by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18 to be considered. Email completed applications to mduffy@bouldercounty.gov or mail them to Resource Conservation, C/O Michal Duffy, 1901 63rd St., Boulder, 80301. Please make sure your read the introductory packet and complete all forms provided below in order to submit an application.

Spanish Applications and Forms

Applications for the 2025 Circular Funding year are now being accepted. Complete proposals must be received at the Resource Conservation Division office by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18 to be considered. Email completed applications to mduffy@bouldercounty.gov or mail them to Resource Conservation, C/O Michal Duffy, 1901 63rd St., Boulder, 80301. Please make sure your read the introductory packet and complete all forms provided below in order to submit an application.

Note: The deadline for Spanish applications will be now be Oct. 24 due to delay in posting.

Circular Economy Funding FAQ

No, we cannot offer application extensions.

The list of ineligible uses of funds includes “funds for start-up business.” This means that funding cannot be used as seed funding for start-up businesses. However, start up businesses that are already operating may apply for funding for projects or programs.

Yes, a vehicle may be considered eligible equipment for this fund if it is necessary and used to achieve the circular economy goals of the fund.

Yes. Funding cannot be used to fund existing program operations but may be used to expand existing programs to new areas or populations or to include new materials streams or similar objectives that will increase waste diversion or another circular economy objective.

No. Land acquisition itself is not an eligible outcome for this funding.

Yes, each application will be evaluated separately.

No, there is no advantage either way; do what make most sense for your organization(s) and the project.

This is not required in the initial application; this will come later if a project is funded.

Contact Us

Resource Conservation Division

720-564-2220
resourceconservation@bouldercounty.gov

Location

Boulder County Recycling Center
1901 63rd St.
Boulder, CO 80301
Map and Directions
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

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