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Environmental stewardship is a key focus of Metro Waste Authority, and we are proud to offer a grant program to fund environmental projects in eligible communities.
We offer two grants, the Environmental Mini Grant and the Environmental Enhancement Grant.
Both grants provide an opportunity for applicants to request funding for environmental projects that support the categories of our Environmental Management System (EMS), which include:
- Greenhouse Gas Management
- Water Quality Improvement
- Environmental Education
- Organics Management
- Household Hazardous Materials
- Recycling
Wondering how these grant dollars have been used to support past environmental projects? Here are just a few examples of projects that received funding through Metro Waste Authority’s grant programs!
- Reusable water bottles for elementary students participating in Earth Day events
- Refillable water bottle stations
- Electric car charging stations
- Purchase of tablets to allow for paperless form completion
- Installation of energy-efficient lighting fixtures
- Sustainability-focused, educational public art
- Picnic tables equipped with solar powered outlets
- Stormwater management improvements
Environmental Enhancement Grant
The Environmental Enhancement Grant for up to $10,000 is a reimbursement grant that supports larger scale environmental projects that align with one of the six identified EMS components, including greenhouse gas management, water quality improvement, environmental education, organics management, household hazardous materials, and recycling.
Guidelines:
- Projects must be based in Metro Waste Authority’s planning area.
- Projects must have multiple funding sources identified, including some level of financial investment by the applicant’s group or organization.
- Projects that do not align with the agency’s environmental focus areas will not be considered.
- Projects are not eligible for grant funding multiple times.
Applications will be open from the time of announcement until June 15.
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Environmental Mini Grant
The Environmental Mini Grant for up to $2,000 is a reimbursement grant that supports smaller scale environmental projects that align with any of the six identified EMS components, including greenhouse gas management, water quality improvement, environmental education, organics management, household hazardous materials, and recycling.
Guidelines:
- Projects must be based in Metro Waste Authority’s planning area.
- Preference will be given to projects that have multiple funding sources, including some level of financial investment by the applicant’s group or organization.
- Projects that do not align with any of the agency’s six environmental focus areas will not be considered.
- Projects are not eligible for grant funding multiple times.
There are two award cycles each year:
- Award Cycle 1: July-December
- Award Cycle 2: January-May
Applications will be accepted year-round and will be considered until all funds have been disbursed.
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Please note: Metro Waste Authority does not participate in fundraising opportunities, including sponsorship of events. Grant funding is not available for compost, cleanup projects, or disposal-related costs, such as waived fees at the landfill or dumpster roll-off rental.
Metro Waste Authority's planning area includes Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Dawson, Des Moines, Elkhart, Grimes, Hartford, Jefferson, Johnston, Linden, Minburn, Mingo, Mitchellville, Norwalk, Perry, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Prairie City, Redfield, Runnells, Sheldahl, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights.