The Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District is once again offering grants to local organizations interested in undertaking recycling, waste reduction, or reuse projects. The deadline for the submission of grant applications is March 1.
The grant program encourages local organizations to help the district further its mission of promoting recycling, waste reduction, and responsible waste management within Hendricks County.
For the spring grant round, the district has set aside $10,000 to award to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in Hendricks County that undertake a new or expanded program or project that diverts waste from landfills (by reducing, reusing, and recycling) or that ensures the proper disposal of hazardous or problem wastes. The grant awards are scheduled to be announced by April 30.
Each applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000. Grant awards will be based upon the scope of the proposed program or project, the impact the program or project will have and how well the undertaking furthers the goals of the district.
Places of worship, schools, charities, service organizations, and units of local government are encouraged to apply.
Past grant winners have included towns, schools, parks departments, and social services organizations. One winning organization used the funds to purchase durable dinnerware to replace disposable plates and flatware. Another organization used grant funds to purchase and install a clay recycling machine for a local school’s art department. Grant funds have also been used to support a project aimed at encouraging families to use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. Other organizations have received funds to establish or expand recycling programs.
To date, the district has awarded nearly $90,000 through the community grants program.
“The grants program provides an incentive for organizations to consider or reconsider the waste they produce and to work toward reducing, reusing, and recycling those materials,” SWMD Executive Director Lenn Detwiler said in a press release. “We’ve been excited to be a part of some very unique and impactful projects through our grants program. We look forward to continuing to provide that incentive to other organizations in the community.”
The grant program guidelines and the grant application are available on the district’s website at www.HendricksSolidWaste.com.
For more information, contact Detwiler by calling 858-6070 or by e-mailing to Ldetwiler@HendricksSolidWaste.com.
