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Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Grant Program (EPA Region 4) - FAQs

What is the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Grant Program?

The Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Grant Program is an EPA Region 4 discretionary funding opportunity that supports practical, measurable projects focused on conserving resources and reducing waste and toxic chemical impacts. The program is intended to fund on-the-ground work that prevents waste, increases recycling and diversion, reduces priority chemicals, and delivers measurable energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions tied to materials management and cleaner practices.

Which EPA region is this opportunity for?

This solicitation is specific to EPA Region 4.

Which states are included in EPA Region 4 for this grant?

EPA Region 4 includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

What kinds of projects does the RCC program want to fund?

The program is designed to fund projects that make concrete progress on national RCC priorities, especially resource conservation, waste reduction, and chemicals reduction. The notice emphasizes real-world implementation and lasting improvements, highlighting stewardship, sustainability, and source reduction rather than one-off events.

What outcomes are emphasized in competitive proposals?

Measurement and accountability are a key theme. Priority is given to projects that can produce measurable results, especially quantified outcomes such as pounds or tons of materials recycled, diverted, and/or reduced.

What types of results should an applicant be prepared to track and report?

Applicants are expected to propose a credible plan to track results, document baselines, and report outcomes that clearly demonstrate impact. Examples mentioned or implied in the notice include how much waste was kept out of landfills, reductions in hazardous material use, and the energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions avoided through better materials management and cleaner practices.

What topic areas are specifically called out as areas of interest?

The announcement highlights municipal solid waste (MSW), priority chemicals, industrial materials, and green initiatives such as electronics as areas of interest.

Does the opportunity emphasize climate and energy benefits?

Yes. Applicants are expected to focus on Region 4 priorities (resource conservation, waste reduction, and chemicals reduction) while also showing meaningful climate and energy co-benefits where relevant, including energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions linked to improved materials management and cleaner practices.

Is collaboration important for this grant?

Yes. Region 4 places a strong emphasis on collaboration and leveraging. Proposals that bring partners to the table, align multiple local or state efforts, and stretch federal dollars using non-federal funding or in-kind contributions are viewed favorably.

What types of partnerships does the program aim to support?

The program provides financial assistance to external organizations that can help states, tribes, local governments, communities, and nonprofit groups make progress on RCC priorities. The notice signals that proposals coordinating or supporting efforts with governmental and community partners can align well with the program intent.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

Funding is offered through grants and cooperative agreements.

How many awards are anticipated?

The program anticipated around five awards.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount is $250,000.

Is there a cost-share or matching requirement?

Yes. The notice states there is a cost-sharing or matching requirement, so applicants should be prepared to contribute matching funds or document qualifying in-kind services and explain how those contributions will support project delivery.

What are examples of matching contributions mentioned in the notice?

The announcement references matching funds and qualifying in-kind services as forms of cost share/match.

Where can applicants find the full eligibility requirements?

Eligibility is described broadly as "Others (see text)," with full eligibility details directed to Section III of the complete announcement.

What does the eligibility category "Others (see text)" mean?

Based on the notice, it indicates that eligibility is not fully defined in the brief summary and applicants need to consult Section III of the full announcement for the exact eligible applicant types.

Are there specific regional expectations for proposed projects?

Yes. Applicants are expected to propose projects that fit Region 4 priorities, particularly resource conservation, waste reduction, and chemicals reduction, and to show meaningful climate and energy co-benefits where relevant.

Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA numbers 66.609, 66.611, 66.717, and 66.808.

What do the listed CFDA numbers indicate about the program focus?

The CFDA listings reflect overlap with children’s environmental health risk protection, environmental policy and innovation, source reduction assistance, and solid waste management assistance.

When was the opportunity posted?

Applications were originally posted on February 5, 2010.

What was the closing date for applications?

The closing date listed was March 22, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on April 21, 2010.

Where are the submission specifics and exact due date instructions located?

Submission specifics and exact due date instructions were referenced in Section IV of the full announcement.

Who is the contact person for access issues or additional help?

The listed contact was Audrey E. Baker at EPA Region 4.

What is the contact phone number provided in the notice?

The phone number listed for Audrey E. Baker is 404-562-8483.