Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse Grants

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering a grant opportunity to support waste reduction and reuse projects across the state, with approximately $820,000 in available funding. The grant focuses on investing in projects that will offer lasting benefits to Minnesotans, particularly those that promote the use of reusable products over single-use options. It also prioritizes projects that focus on education and outreach, infrastructure and supplies, and technical assistance, including micro-grants. Key areas of focus for this grant include projects that support organizations and communities in implementing reusable systems (e.g., for food ware, packaging), providing repair training, curriculum development, and apprenticeships to build a sustainable repair workforce, as well as offering cost-effective repair services to Minnesotans. Applications for this funding are due by 4:00 p.m. on March 27, 2025. Organizations interested in applying can submit their proposals through the online SWIFT portal. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which includes being a Minnesota-based nonprofit, for-profit business, political subdivision, or tribal government. The grant encourages multi-organizational collaborations and will only accept proposals requesting between $75,000 and $750,000 in funding. Additionally, applicants are required to match at least 25% of the total grant request. Questions regarding the grant may be submitted to the MPCA at grants.pca@state.mn.us, but all queries must be sent no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 20, 2025. Applicants are advised that direct contact with MPCA employees regarding the grant will lead to disqualification. The full request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can be accessed via the SWIFT portal. The portal will allow applicants to view the RFP, register as bidders, and submit their applications electronically. The grant aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize pollution, decrease demand for resource extraction, and reduce waste sent to landfills. The MPCA emphasizes the importance of waste reduction and reuse strategies as part of a broader environmental agenda to support Minnesota’s local economy and environmental sustainability. The MPCA outlines the waste management hierarchy in their priorities, placing the most emphasis on reducing waste, followed by reusing materials, recycling, and other lower-priority strategies such as waste-to-energy and landfill use. The grant aligns with these goals, supporting efforts to reduce the environmental impact of waste and extend the useful life of existing materials.