How to Fund a Composting Facility

Composting and recycling facilities are popping up all over the country in response to "smart practice" initiatives by government and community agencies. Composting helps alleviate waste management problems by reducing the amount of trash dumped at the curb. Good composting can also help enrich soils. If you're in charge of getting a composting project through, look into all of the options for sharing the financial burden between all of the people and places that can benefit from the new plant.

Instructions

• 1

  Look into federal grants. The federal government can grant money to states for projects seen to be relative to the national good. Federal money is also sometimes given to state agencies who have the freedom to distribute it down to municipal projects. Look at where federal money is, or where it could be, and assess whether it could come your way.

• 2

  Get state grants. To receive state grants for your composting project, appeal to how the project can improve the environment of the area. The size of state grants can depend on the immediate problems caused by any possible pollutants or waste management problems; make sure the benefits of the project are clearly laid out in the grant application.

• 3

  Solicit money from local businesses. Again, the communal benefits of the composting project should be stressed, as well as any energy efficiency improvements that the composting facility provides. Also, let local businesses know that they have a responsibility to give back to the community when opportunities arise.

• 4

  Use municipal money. Most local governments have budgets and appropriations methods. Get local officials on your side and work closely with the municipality that hosts the facility. Getting input in public meetings can help get a groundswell of support going.

• 5

  Take up the hat for private donations. It's possible some enviro-philanthropists would be willing to fund your composting project, especially if it relieves some waste management problem. Get the information out there to get money from as many sources as possible.