BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Individuals, companies, and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding to purchase materials, infrastructure, time, or to support innovative waste reduction projects. Projects between $500 and $2,000 are eligible for funding.
In the past, projects have included a wide variety of activities, such as implementing recycling signage in schools or expanding reuse for bulk grocery purchase, and even starting restaurant composting programmes.
This year, the Community Innovation Fund application procedure has been simplified to make it easier and more accessible.
Udara Absekara Bickett is the Rethink Waste Program Manager at The Environmental Center. We don’t want people to be discouraged by the mention of grant. The fund is available to support creative ideas. We will be focusing on projects that can sustain the funding cycle and supporting equity and accessibility within our communities.
You can find more information about the Community Innovation Fund on the Rethink Waste Project blog Here. Send your application via brief Google Form, filled out digitally and emailed as a PDF to [email protected], or applicants have the option to record and email a short video explaining their project idea.
Applications are open through May 30th at 5 p.m. Funded projects will be announced in June. This year, $6,000 will be awarded to all projects.
The Rethink Waste Project is a program of The Environmental Center that provides education and engagement in waste prevention and reduction for Deschutes County residents, business owners, and organizations. It is a partnership between the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste, local garbage and recycling service providers, and The Environmental Center. They offer free presentations about waste reduction, recycling, prevention of food waste, and other topics.
Find out more at: www.RethinkWasteProject.org.
