Build with Bags
GRANT PROGRAM
The primary goal of Build with BagsTM (BWB) is to tackle an environmental concern that has
been receiving a great deal of attention – the use of plastic (and to some degree) shopping bags.
To address this issue, the Build with Bags Program has defined four primary goals:
1. Doubling the amount of plastic bags recycled over the next 24 months;
2. Reducing the use of plastic bags (with an additional benefit of reducing the use of paper
bags);
3. Increasing the use of reusable bags; and
4. Encouraging the purchase of recycled plastic furniture and equipment through this grant
program to aid parks and schools.
This grant program was developed to support the BWB Program’s primary goal of increasing
plastic bag recycling, which we believe is at the core of addressing the environmental issues
surrounding plastic bag use. This grant program was initiated to support “closing the plastic bag
loop” by demonstrating how recycled plastic bags can be re-used in the manufacturing of
outdoor furniture and equipment. Although there are a number of firms that provide recycled
plastic content, furniture and equipment (see listing at www.itseasytorecycle.org), the BWB
Program encourages grant recipients to use Iowa’s own Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls
(www.plasticrecycling.us). Please note that to be eligible for the grant program, the recycled
content plastic furniture and equipment to be purchased must be used at a park or school.
GRANT ELIGIBILITY
The grant program is available to any governmental entity or any organization (i.e. service clubs,
non-profit organizations) within Iowa that purchase the items for a park or school. The items
must be made of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (the base material for
making plastic shopping bags). Those receiving grant awards must acquire the items and then
show proof of purchase and payment before receiving reimbursement of the award.
GRANT LIMITS
A maximum grant of $2,000 is available. Each entity applying for a grant is limited to one
application or project per year.
GRANT DEADLINES
The deadline for applications is March 30, 2012. Grant awards will be announced on April 23,
2012 (the day after Earth Day). Notification will be made directly to each grant recipient and
sponsoring Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) member, together with a press release and
at the Iowa Grocery Industry Association’s website – www.iowagrocers.com.
GRANT APPLICATION, REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA:
Application Submission
Grant applications should be prepared in letter form and sent to:
Iowa Grocery Industry Association
Attn: Build with Bags Coordinator
2540 106th Street, Suite 102
Des Moines, Iowa 50322
Questions concerning the application process should be directed to IGIA’s Build with Bags
Coordinator at 515-270-2628 or e-mail info@iowagrocers.com.
Selection Requirements
Each application must include the applicant organization’s contact information (address, phone
number and e-mail address) along with a designated contact name with contact information. All
applications containing the required information will be evaluated by the Build with Bags
Selection Committee according to the following selection criteria.
Evaluation Criteria
Statement of need (Maximum of 25 points): A clear statement of need identifying the
importance and use of the furniture and/or playground equipment, along with financial
need, is required. Please note that furniture or equipment subject to the grant award must
be used in conjunction with a park or school. Maximum points will be awarded to those
organizations with in kind contributions or contributing funds.
Public Awareness (Maximum of 35 Points): Provide a brief summary of the marketing or
public relations plan for maximizing public awareness of the project (newspaper, radio,
TV coverage, speaking engagements, etc.). The greater the perceived impact, the greater
the number of points awarded. Copies of the BWB and sponsor logos will be provided to
those receiving grants. Proof of performance will be required before grant payment is
issued.
Verifiable Recycled Plastic Content (Maximum of 10 Points): Grant requests must
include information on the recycled plastic content of the proposed furniture or
equipment purchase, including a statement that at least some of the plastic content
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. The higher the content of recycled
plastic the greater the number of points awarded.
Plastic Bag Recycling (Maximum of 20 Points): Please include a statement indicating
how the project will help to increase plastic bag recycling or decrease usage. The
stronger the case for the project influencing reductions in use and increased recycling, the
higher the points.
Endorsement Letter (Maximum of 10 Points): An endorsement letter from an Iowa
Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) member in support of your request is required. The
stronger the letter of support, the greater the points.
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GRANT SELECTION PROCESS
Grant applications will be reviewed by the Build with Bags selection committee to
determine eligibility and application score based on the selection criteria. Incomplete or
insufficient applications will be returned along with an explanation concerning the nature
of any missing or insufficient information.
The composite rating will be used to allocate grants from available funds. The selection
committee will make a determination of award grant recipients and reserves the right to
adjust the amount of a grant request based on available funds.
The remaining grant requests will be reviewed and weighted by the selection committee
with each member of the committee independently evaluating the grants. The group will
then meet collectively and share results with a final tabulation made from the composite
ratings.
Geographic distribution will also be a consideration in determining award grant
recipients.
GRANT REIMBURSEMENT
Grant funds will be provided to award recipients subsequent to furniture/equipment purchases.
In order to receive grant award funds, award recipients must submit proof of purchase
documentation to include:
1. A paid invoice;
2. A canceled check or similar verification of payment; and
3. Copies of media coverage and/or photos of the project, events and/or furniture or
equipment. Proof of performance will be required before grant payment is issued.
Payment will be made within two weeks of submission of all appropriate information. Grant
recipients are encouraged to identify “media event” times in advance if possible. Those events
may provide an opportunity for the recipient, IGIA members, sponsoring organizations, BWB
sponsors and program to gain recognition.
BUILD WITH BAGS PARTNERS:
Iowa Grocery Industry Association – www.iowagrocers.com
Keep Iowa Beautiful – www.keepiowabeautiful.com
Iowa Department of Natural Resources – www.iowadnr.com
Metro Waste Authority – www.mwatoday.com
The Des Moines Register – www.desmoinesregister.com
Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls – www.plasticrecycling.us
City Carton Recycling – www.citycarton.com
Recent Grants Awarded:
2011 Build with Bags Grant Winners
Organization
Grant Amount
City of Alden
$1,999.80
City of Batavia
2,000.00
Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification
$1,907.00
Bluff Creek Wranglers 4-H Club
Pilot Mound
$2,000.00
Boy Scout Troop 71
Oskaloosa
$1,497.00
Butler County Fair
$2,000.00
Cherokee Parks & Recreation
$1,946.00
City of Lime Springs
$1,778.20
Colo-Nesco Community Schools
$1,443.20
Cowles Montessori School
Windsor Heights
$2,000.00
East Union Early Childhood Center
Afton
$2,000.00
City of Floyd
$1,670.00
City of Garnavillo
$1,650.00
Granger Park & Rec. Board
$1,845.00
Greater Greenfield Comm. Fdn.
$2,000.00
Sons & Daughters of Imogene
$1,816.86
City of Lake Mills
$2,000.00
The Learning Center
Charles City
$ 900.00
Marshalltown Parks & Rec Dept.
$2,000.00
Murray Community School
$2,000.00
Plymouth County Conservation Board
$1,995.00
Stewart Boosters, Inc.
Washington
$2,000.00
City of Stratford
$2,000.00
Stratford Stride
$1,870.40
