Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant

The Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) through its Municipal Waste Reduction Branch. This program is designed to advance the Commonwealth’s solid waste reduction goals as outlined in the 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan. MassDEP provides both financial assistance and technical support to encourage innovative approaches to reducing waste at its source. The micro-grant program specifically focuses on short-term projects that extend the useful life of products and reduce disposal through reuse, repair, donation, and redistribution strategies. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund projects that reduce waste generation in Massachusetts by promoting systems and behaviors that prioritize reuse and repair over disposal. Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will extend the life of products through mechanisms such as donation programs, repair initiatives, sharing systems, or reuse infrastructure. The program explicitly excludes recycling and composting projects, emphasizing upstream waste reduction rather than downstream processing. The grant also aims to increase public participation in reuse systems, build sustainable infrastructure, and encourage innovation through pilot programs or expanded service models. Funding for the program ranges from 3000 to 10000 dollars per award, with a total program budget of up to 200000 dollars. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, either as a single payment upon project completion or in two installments depending on project structure and approval. Eligible expenses include equipment, tools, software, project-specific marketing, event space rental, and temporary personnel such as consultants or contractors. However, funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, existing staff wages, or activities unrelated to waste reduction. Any costs incurred prior to execution of the contract are ineligible for reimbursement. Eligible applicants include a wide range of Massachusetts-based entities such as for-profit and nonprofit businesses, municipalities, regional authorities, and educational institutions including K-12 schools and colleges. All applicants must be properly authorized to operate within the state. Projects must be completed within one year of receiving a fully executed contract, and applicants are expected to incorporate realistic timelines that account for an approximately six-month review and contracting period following submission. The application process requires submission through an online form by the stated deadline. Applicants must prepare a detailed project proposal that includes a summary, justification of need, implementation plan, evaluation strategy, sustainability plan, and an itemized budget. Additional required documentation may be requested upon award, including standard contract forms and financial documentation. Questions must be submitted in writing to the program contact prior to a specified deadline, and responses are shared publicly to ensure transparency. Applications are evaluated based on a structured scoring system that considers project need, innovation, replicability, feasibility, sustainability, evaluation methods, overall impact, and benefit to disadvantaged communities. Projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, strong planning, and the ability to scale or replicate are prioritized. MassDEP places particular emphasis on projects that serve disadvantaged communities and contribute to equitable access to reuse and repair resources. The 2026 application deadline is May 15 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants should anticipate approximately six months for review, award decisions, and contract execution. Once awarded, recipients must complete their projects within one year and submit a final report detailing outcomes and lessons learned. The program is offered on a recurring annual basis, with similar timelines expected in future funding cycles.

Emphasize measurable waste reduction impact, scalability, and benefits to disadvantaged communities; clearly demonstrate innovation and feasibility