Do you have a project that will significantly impact waste diversion in the Front Range of Colorado? With up to $5 million in funding, the FRWD Board of Directors is eager to support projects focused on advancing the circular economy through high-impact waste diversion initiatives.

Review the RFA

Key Dates

November 1 | Q&A Round 1 Submittal Deadline
Send written inquiries to [email protected] by 3 p.m. MT.

November 8 | Q&A Round 1 Answers Published
Answers to written inquiries published on coloradoFRWD.org.

November 22 | Q&A Round 2 Submittal Deadline
Send written inquiries to [email protected] by 3 p.m. MT.

November 29 | Q&A Round 2 Answers Published
Answers to written inquiries published on coloradoFRWD.org.

January 12 | Applications Due
Submit applications at coloradofrwd.org/Apply no later than 3 p.m. MT.

First Round of Questions

CDPHE offers a formal question-and-answer (Q&A) process to provide all potential applicants equitable access to information. The first round of questions and answers about the current Request for Applications (RFA) is now available on their website.

Second Round of Questions

CDPHE offers a formal question-and-answer (Q&A) process to provide all potential applicants equitable access to information. The second round of questions and answers about the current Request for Applications (RFA) is now available on their website.

Grant Focus

This RFA focuses on advancing waste diversion through the following means:

• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste diversion and reduction, including infrastructure development for feasible and cost-effective methods such as manual separation at the source of generation (demolition projects, construction sites) or at another point the process, or mechanical separation processes. 

• Organic waste projects to include infrastructure to increase the collection and processing of organic waste.

• Recycling infrastructure and collections projects.

Project Eligibility

We are seeking projects that will significantly increase waste diversion in the Front Range. To be eligible for this grant opportunity, you must meet four primary criteria:

• Request a maximum of $5,000,000.00 

• Impact the Front Range counties listed below

• Meet a minimum of 1,000 additional tons diverted per year

• Have a shovel-ready project 

Funds Available

Approximately $5,000,000.00 is available in this funding cycle to support multiple projects. Applications may request a maximum of $5,000,000.00 in FRWD grant funds.

Impact Front Range Communities

Eligible projects must serve one or more of the following counties in Colorado’s Front Range: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo, Teller, and Weld.  It is assumed applications from the above counties serve the FRWD service area. All other applicants must document how the project benefits the counties in the FRWD service area.

Minimum Tonnage Requirement

Applicants must divert a minimum of 1,000 additional tons per year through the proposed project for the counties listed above (see exceptions below). For this RFA, “additional tons” is defined as tons of materials, not currently being diverted from landfills, annually upon project implementation. Applicants will be required to explain where the new or additional tons are coming from and demonstrate how the new or additional tons were previously being landfilled.

Two exceptions considered:

• Projects advancing waste diversion in Teller, Pueblo, and Elbert Counties are not subject to the minimum tonnage requirements to encourage waste diversion efforts in these counties.

• If lightweight materials are being diverted and tonnage is not an appropriate metric, the applicant should include volume. Volume should be measured by using the volume-to-weight conversion factors prepared by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), referenced on this EPA website.

Shovel-Ready Project

For this RFA, “shovel-ready” is defined as a project where planning and engineering are advanced enough that with sufficient funding, the project can begin immediately upon contract execution. This includes: 

• having a site determined with a lease in place, if necessary;

• having an understanding of all permitting requirements, including local and state requirements;

• and having the financial means to fund the project upfront.