Recycling and composting are great, but not creating waste in the first place is even better! When we prevent waste, we help the environment, protect public health, build community and save money. That’s why Seattle Public Utilities is pleased to award grants totaling $100,000 to community groups that create or expand waste prevention projects.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is accepting applications
through February 21, 2020 for its Waste-Free Communities Matching Grant.
Business, nonprofits, community and neighborhood groups, schools, colleges,
universities, institutions, faith-based organizations, and youth and children’s
programs are all eligible to apply. Projects must increase waste prevention in
Seattle through starting a new project or expanding an existing activity. Grant
requests may range from $3,000 to $20,000 and there is a 50% matching
requirement for recipients.
Since the first grant projects began in summer 2018, recipients have:
- Educated and engaged 4,322 people on waste prevention
- Prevented 3,700 plastic bottles from being used
- Repaired or upcycled 641 textiles and other items
- Rescued 7,009 pounds of food
- Donated 4,643 pounds of food to local food banks and meal programs
- Provided 16 people with jobs and job skills training
- Increased equitable access to waste prevention opportunities and benefits for low-income, African American, immigrant, and refugee communities
Applications are available in several languages and may be submitted in print or video format. They may also be submitted in a preferred language and SPU will provide translation. For more information, go to www.seattle.gov/utilities/wastefreegrants.