Mini Grants
Status: Open
Program Type: Public or Private sectors
Who Can Apply:
Nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations and businesses, tribes, local governments, public and private schools, institutions of higher education
About the program:
Mini Grant awards are up to $50,000 for projects that can be completed quickly, within a six-month contract period.
Program Details
For consideration, applicants must demonstrate how their project aligns with the goals in the C3 Strategic Plan by expanding access to and growing Colorado’s circular economy. Applicants should describe in detail the impact their project will have on a particular community or communities. Applications that include specifics, rather than broad generalities, will move more quickly through the application process.
In addition to describing how it meets the goals of the C3 Strategic Plan, a successful application will:
Demonstrate that all permitting, certification, and local rules and land use requirements have been researched, by providing a current status of any applications or requirements that are in process
Present a correct and clear budget request accompanied by recent vendor quotes, preferably within the past six months, for each requested item
Include a realistic and manageable project timeline
Projects that are anticipated to create greater outcomes related to C3 goals will take precedence. Please keep in mind that program resources are limited and not every application will be awarded, even if it is well-prepared.
C3 program priorities are dynamic and may fluctuate based on variables such as available funding, commodity markets, previously funded projects, and other related variables. Potential projects are scored with a point system based on defined criteria. The rubric for scoring can be found in the guidelines for each grant type.
Please note: C3 grants are not intended for urgent or emergency situations. Entities may only be awarded one C3 grant each calendar year.
All C3 grant recipients must enter into a contract. Grant funds are reimbursement-based. Grantees cover costs upfront, and are then repaid once contract requirements are met and deliverables are completed. Only expenses incurred after the contract is fully executed are eligible for reimbursement.
Who Can Apply
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Local Governments
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Tribes
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Nonprofit Organizations
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For-Profit Organizations
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Institutions of Higher Education
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Public & Private Schools
General Eligibility
Nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations and businesses, local governments, public and private schools, and institutions of higher education located in Colorado are eligible to apply. Applicants are limited to one Colorado Circular Communities (C3) funding award per calendar year.
Projects must promote a circular economy, defined as an economy that:
Uses a systems-focused approach that involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design
Enables resources used in industrial processes and economic activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible
Aims to eliminate waste through the superior design of materials, products, and processes, including business models
Circular economy projects include waste aversion and diversion efforts, accomplished through sustainable design, remanufacturing, distribution/market development, source reduction, reuse, repair, recovery, collection, recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, or biochar production.
Eligible and ineligible expenses are detailed in the Mini Grant guidelines. Any funds spent before full execution of an agreement are not eligible for reimbursement.
All applicants must
Be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State
Be in operation for a minimum of one (1) year (This will be verified through the Colorado Secretary of State.)
Maintain good standing with all regulatory programs, including CDPHE, EPA, and OSHA
Be in good standing with the Colorado Department of Revenue
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local permitting, zoning, and code requirements
Be prepared to make purchases upfront and be reimbursed once contract requirements are met.
When submitting an application for a C3 grant, applicants agree to adhere to the state’s terms and conditions. Terms and conditions of the agreements will not be altered. Inability to agree to terms and conditions will disqualify entities for funding.
For most awards: State PO Terms and Conditions or C3 Grant Agreement
For awards with government entities: C3 Intergovernmental Agreement Template
Application Process and Key Dates
Mini Grant applicants should plan for a minimum of six months from application submission to contract execution, if awarded. Decisions are typically issued within 90 days from application submission.
Watch the Video
You will be required to confirm that you have watched the Mini Grant Pre-Application Video in order to apply.
Prepare for the Mini Grant Application
Read through all of the Mini Grant guidelines to learn about the details of the grant opportunity prior to applying.
Application Requirements
Project details
Vendor quotes
Additional materials may be submitted, including but not limited to
Letters of support on supporting company’s letterhead (If partners or government support are part of your project, it is highly recommended that a Letter of Support be submitted from each entity.)
Annual reports
Work plan
Submit Your Application
Submit your application online when you are ready to apply.
Resources:
Additional Information
To ask questions about C3’s funding opportunities, please submit an inquiry form. The C3 team can only provide technical assistance. C3 staff cannot assist in writing your application, and submitting this form will not influence application review. The team will review your inquiry and follow up within 10 business days of your request.
Producer Responsibility Program
Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is a program established with Colorado House Bill 22-1355 that makes producers of packaging and paper products responsible for the recycling of their materials. The State of Colorado appointed Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as the designated Producer Responsibility Organization. If you have questions about EPR, please contact CAA directly.