EPA SWIFR Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia (2026)

Program Overview

The EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Tribal grants are designed to strengthen solid waste, recycling, and materials management systems in Tribal communities. Many communities face persistent gaps in collection capacity, recycling access, and landfill diversion options—pressures that accelerate material loss and reduce service resilience.

SWIFR aims to advance a more circular economy by helping Tribal governments develop or enhance infrastructure, reduce waste, and keep valuable resources in circulation. These grants play a critical role in reducing environmental and health burdens, especially in communities where waste management systems have historically been underfunded.

Program Focus and Eligible Activities

EPA will support a wide range of projects that help Tribal communities improve handling of post-consumer materials. Eligible activities may include:

• Establishing or upgrading recycling and solid waste collection infrastructure
• Improving materials sorting, processing, or transfer capabilities
• Developing new or expanded recycling or composting programs
• Implementing data systems to track waste streams and program effectiveness
• Planning and assessment activities that strengthen long-term materials management

These improvements help extend landfill capacity, reduce environmental impacts, and support more efficient resource use.

Cost Sharing Requirements

Cost share or matching contributions are not required under this competition.

This approach allows applicants to focus resources on planning, operational improvements, and infrastructure gaps—rather than allocating funds toward mandatory match requirements.

Eligible Applicants

The SWIFR Tribal NOFO is open to:

• Indian Tribes as defined in federal statute (including Alaska Native Villages, Alaska Native Corporations, and certain Tribal jurisdictions in Oklahoma)
• Intertribal consortia that:
  • Demonstrate a formal partnership between Tribal governments, and
  • Provide authorization from all member Tribes for the consortium to apply

Intertribal consortia must submit documentation showing both eligibility and partnership authority.

Funding Details

• Total Estimated Funding: $20,000,000
• Individual Award Range: $100,000 to $1,500,000
• Project Areas: Solid waste system improvements, recycling infrastructure, materials management planning
• Application Deadline: January 23, 2026

For full application details and official updates, visit:

EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program
.

How LEC Partners Supports SWIFR Applicants

LEC Partners works with Tribal governments and intertribal consortia to design technically sound, feasible, and competitive SWIFR proposals.

• Assess current waste and recycling infrastructure and identify priority gaps
• Develop practical project scopes aligned with EPA program goals
• Prepare implementation plans, budgets, and operational frameworks
• Strengthen technical and narrative sections of the application
• Support planning for long-term materials management and circular economy strategies

Our multidisciplinary team helps applicants reduce uncertainty, build strong justification, and advance community-centered project goals.

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