DEQ announces $600,000 in grants for projects that promote waste prevention, reuse or recovery
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will award up to $600,000 in grants for projects that promote waste prevention, reuse or recovery. The contributions and creativity of local communities are vital to achieving Oregon’s 2050 Vision where resources are conserved, the environment is protected and all live well. Local governments, nonprofits organizations, small businesses, federally-recognized tribal governments are encouraged to apply. Public universities, colleges, community colleges and public schools are also encouraged to apply for projects that specifically tackle food waste prevention. Grant criteria is tailored to benefit a wide range of Oregon communities.
DEQ is looking for innovative projects that reduce impacts across the full life cycle of materials and products. The life cycle of materials and products includes product design, raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, consumption, use, reuse, repair, recovery through recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion and disposal. Projects that increase or improve online or other access to activities that reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials will receive extra points during the evaluation process provided they meet state COVID-19-related guidelines and restrictions. Additional points will also be awarded for projects that increase or improve access for historically marginalized communities.
In 2019, DEQ prioritized projects that involved partnerships with community-based organizations, and received more than 50 competitive applications. Out of those applications, DEQ granted nearly $600,000 in funding to 17 organizations. 2019 grant recipients and project descriptions are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/mm/Documents/2019AwardedGrants.pdf
DEQ will host a webinar for the general public to ask questions about the 2020 grant application process on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 1-2 p.m. A second webinar for Oregon's Tribal Governments is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 10-11 a.m.
Webinar information:
People can connect to the webinar through the Zoom at https://zoom.us/.
• FAQ webinar for general public, Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 1-2 p.m., link to register: https://zoom.us/j/98942071310?pwd=MXFiZ3llNTdBd005YUozQTFTQmRTQT09
• FAQ webinar for Oregon Tribal Governments, Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 10-11 a.m., link to register: https://zoom.us/j/94657426946?pwd=SFRxRGVlSTNtSEdJZDVtVGlWODk2dz09
Deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on October 2, 2020.
For more information about DEQ’s grants, visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq/mm/Pages/Grants.aspx or contact Marie Diodati at 503-229-5446 or Marie-Helene.Diodati@deq.state.or.us.
DEQ's mission is to be a leader in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land and water.
Media contact:
Jennifer Flynt, 503-730-5924, flynt.jennifer@deq.state.or.us
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