The County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota is soliciting applications for the School waste reduction and recycling grant.
Donor Name: County of Hennepin
State: Minnesota
County: Hennepin County (MN)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/12/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Hennepin County provides grants to start or improve programs to divert recycling and organic materials, which include food and compostable paper, from the trash. Grant funding can also be used to take steps to prevent waste, including wasted food.
Objectives
Grant funding can be used toward the following three objectives:
- Reduce waste and reuse
- Projects in this category could involve reducing packaging and food waste. Strategies include repurposing food in internal programs or donating it. Packaging waste can be reduced by serving food and beverages in bulk. Project proposals that include food waste prevention or donation will be given preference for funding.
- Improve or expand recycling
- Projects in this category would improve recycling programs or provide new opportunities to recycle at schools. Projects should contribute to a more efficient, abundant collection of recyclables.
Funding Information
The maximum award per school is $15,000. A school district may receive a maximum of $45,000 per calendar year.
Eligible Expenses
- Bins, barrels, carts, bags, sorting stations, etc. for collecting recycling or organics
- Project implementation (up to 75% of the total grant amount)
- Equipment for the cafeteria or kitchen
- Food waste prevention
- Hauling and construction upgrades for organics
- Hand dryers to replace paper towel dispensers.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications from any K-12 school, preschool, college, or university.
For more information, visit Hennepin County Government.
