Submitted by the Washington Department of Ecology.
The Washington Department of Ecology will begin accepting applications on Jan. 7 for a popular grant program that supports people and eligible nonprofits who are working to improve Washington’s waste management system. These grants help get their communities involved with local cleanups. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will be accepted through Feb. 4.
If your nonprofit is concerned about toxics and the release of hazardous substances, the impact of climate change, reducing waste and contamination by encouraging reuse, recycling, composting or supporting other solid waste priorities, our Public Participation Grant program may be for you.
This grant opportunity provides up to $120,000 – $60,000 per year over a two-year period – to projects that increase public understanding and involvement in cleaning up contaminated sites and supporting Washington’s solid and hazardous waste management priorities.
Learn more about the Public Participation Grant program, who’s eligible and how to apply at our December 10th virtual informational session. Join other nonprofits at the 10 a.m. session to find out how to leverage state funds to support your work. Preregister today.
Eligible nonprofits and individuals affected by the release of hazardous substances are encouraged to apply. Other projects that could qualify for a grant through this program include plastics and food waste reduction, or public education on toxics and safer alternatives to common products.
Visit the grant webpage at https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Payments-contracts-grants/Grants-loans/Find-a-grant-or-loan/Public-participation-grants?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery for more information.
2023-2025 awards topped $4.8 million
Ecology awarded $ 4,868,570 to 43 projects across Washington during the 2023-2025 award cycle, to support site cleanups, community reuse and repair projects, organic waste reduction efforts and more.
Contaminated sites
Hanford Challenge, Heart of America NW Resource Center and Columbia Riverkeeper are working with overburdened and vulnerable populations to help their voices be heard in the Hanford cleanup efforts.
West Plains Water Coalition is an all-volunteer, local nonprofit dedicated to learning more about toxic chemicals in local wells and giving neighbors a stronger voice in solutions. Grants have funded educational events for hundreds of community members. Quality speakers from Ecology, the Department of Health, universities and other reputable organizations have shared information at these events.
Reuse, repair, recycle
Tool libraries are on the rise! Several grant recipients, including Tacoma Tool Library, South King Tool Library and Master Composter Recyclers of Lewis County, have used funds to start or enhance their own. These organizations support their communities with loaner tools, which promote shared use and provide real savings.
Grants
Repair fairs, clinics and swaps are other ways to keep items out of the landfill and encourage sustainable behaviors within our communities.
Green Okanogan works with local businesses to encourage reuse and recycling by hosting repair cafes and implementing zero-waste strategies at a large local event.
Organic waste reduction and diversion
Diverting food and yard waste from the landfill is a great way to tackle climate change! From composting workshops to food preservation to rescuing food – many approaches are being used by recipients to do this work.
Seattle Tilth uses local chefs to share culturally diverse recipes with an emphasis on using the whole food, preserving foods and minimizing waste. The Tilth also brings the community together to learn and share.
Miracle Food Network distributes food through their all-volunteer workforce to 24 food hubs located in places with limited access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food They divert over 100,000 pounds of food from the landfill and generate awareness of climate impacts from food.
Skagit Gleaners and Upper Valley Mend volunteers pick crops farmers leave in the field and then distribute the food through food banks and other community resources.
