The beginning of every year brings new—or renewed—determination to “do good.” Seattle Public Utilities has an exciting opportunity to “do good” for the environment, public health, and our communities. To kick off 2018, we’re thrilled to announce that applications for our new Waste-Free Communities Matching Grant are now open! Waste prevention means creating less waste by buying and using less, reusing items, and sharing or donating items so others can use them.
As a national leader in waste prevention, SPU developed the Waste-Free Communities Matching Grant to support community leadership and innovation around preventing waste, increase community access to waste prevention benefits and opportunities, and further reduce the amount of materials that go to waste in Seattle.
In addition to preventing waste, the grant committee is looking for projects that are innovative, help communities in need, or engage under-served communities such as immigrants, seniors, young adults, or communities of color.
Have an idea or project in mind? Don’t wait! $2,000 to $15,000 could be waiting to make your idea a reality, or take your project to the next level. Grant applications are due by Feb. 23, 2018. There is a total fund of $100,000 to award for 2018-19, and proposed projects must meet a 50% match requirement.
Need some inspiration? Here are a couple examples of creatively reducing the waste that we create.
- Turning food waste into delicious ice cream
- Redistributing bikes to youth programs in Seattle to save bikes from going to the landfill
- A library made of tools instead of books to inspire neighborhood connections and build a sharing community
We’re looking for a diverse pool of applicants from individuals to nonprofits, neighborhood groups, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, and youth programs!
To learn more visit www.seattle.gov/util/wastefreegrants, or attend one of three (optional) open houses below where grant staff will walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
January 25, 2018
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Rainier Beach Library (9125 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, 98118)
January 29, 2018
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Lake City Library (12501 28th Ave NE, Seattle, 98125)
February 3, 2018
12:00–1:30 p.m.
Montlake Library (2401 24th Ave E, Seattle, 98112)
Requests for language interpretation at workshops is available. Please send requests to wastefreegrants@seattle.gov at least one week before an information session. Language and translation resources are also available for the application, Frequently-Asked-Questions, and other guidelines.
Other questions? Email wastefreegrants@seattle.gov or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.