Local governments, school districts, non-profits, and charities can now apply for SWACO's 2010 green stimulus grants program. These grants are designed to assist programs and projects that further SWACO's mission of reducing waste, increasing recycling, and the growing reuse efforts.

Last year's grant recipients included the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Friends of Alum Creek for their education programs that promoted backyard composting. The cities of Whitehall & Hilliard used their SWACO grants for green public awareness programs. Whitehall also used some of the grant money toward the greening of a community park. Other 2009 SWACO grant recipients included Washington Township and the Southwest Soccer Association.

"Our goal with our SWACO grants is to help communities, school districts, and non profits further develop their creative green ideas," says SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills. "These green stimulus funds plant the seed in communities and show how being green fits in with our everyday lifestyles. In the past we have seen some SWACO grant recipients develop new programs that can be replicated throughout Central Ohio. Our hope is that SWACO will be able to encourage that thinking as well as those programs with our grants."

Grant recipients are required to provide a 25% cash or in-kind match. The deadline for applications for the Grant period is April 1, 2010. Final approval of the grants will come from the SWACO Board of Trustees no later than May 4, 2010.

For further information applicants can contact SWACO Grants Manager Bonni Trice at 614-871-5100 or bonni.trice@swaco.org. Information on the grants is also clicking on the "grant information box of www.swaco.org .

SWACO serves Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio with innovative waste reduction and recycling projects. We believe that today's throwaways are the foundation for tomorrow. SWACO also offers residential recycling opportunities through 225 recycling drop off-locations, at major sporting and entertainment venues, at Columbus City Schools, The Columbus Arts Festival and other locations. SWACO provides leadership and advice for businesses wishing to begin recycling and waste reduction programs as well. Our operations include the Franklin County Landfill, three transfer stations, and other programs. More on SWACO at www.swaco.org.