Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants

The Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Materials Management Grants Program is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, a state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s environmental quality. The program is part of DEQ’s broader Materials Management framework, which focuses on reducing environmental and human health impacts across the lifecycle of materials. Following a relaunch in 2024, the program continues into the 2026 grant cycle with a dedicated funding priority aligned with the agency’s long-term 2050 Vision and Framework for Action. The program is funded through statewide landfill tipping fees and is designed to support projects that reduce waste and promote safer, more sustainable material use practices. The primary objective of the 2026 funding cycle is captured under the theme Built for Well-Being: Reducing Exposure to Toxic Substances in Building Materials. This focus reflects growing concerns about the health risks associated with toxic chemicals commonly found in construction and renovation materials, including adhesives, paints, insulation, and furnishings. Funded projects are expected to reduce exposure to these substances through activities such as research, education, workforce training, policy development, and implementation of safer material alternatives. The program emphasizes protecting vulnerable populations and advancing environmental justice, particularly in underserved and disproportionately impacted communities. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of project-related activities and costs, provided they are directly tied to the proposed project and supported by proper documentation. Eligible activities include education and outreach, training programs, research initiatives, workforce development, and the development of programs, policies, or projects that align with the funding priority. Allowable costs include administrative expenses such as travel and overhead, salaries and benefits for project personnel, consultant and contractor payments, publications, and capital expenses such as equipment, machinery, vehicles, and supplies necessary for project execution. Indirect costs are capped at 15 percent unless otherwise negotiated. The program includes several restrictions on the use of funds. Ineligible costs include environmental cleanup of contaminated sites, hazardous waste management, and activities that are already required by law. Projects focused on recycling materials such as paper, packaging, or food serviceware are also excluded, as the program is specifically limited to building materials. Additionally, funds cannot be used for costs already covered by other financial assistance programs, routine operating expenses unrelated to the project, permit or licensing fees, or any expenses incurred outside the grant performance period, which is anticipated to run from January 2025 through January 2027. Other prohibited uses include payment of fines, legal obligations, and business development costs such as fundraising or incorporation. Eligibility for the grant program is broad and inclusive, encompassing local governments, nonprofit organizations including those with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status or fiscal sponsorship, Tribal Nations, public educational institutions, intergovernmental organizations, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The program encourages applications from across Oregon and prioritizes projects that address inequities in rural, BIPOC, and underrepresented communities. A portion of the total funding, up to 500,000 dollars, is specifically prioritized for Tribal governments and affiliated entities to support equitable access to resources. The application process is conducted through the WebGrants online system and involves a two-step submission process. Applicants must first submit a pre-application, which includes initial project and organizational information. Following an eligibility screening, selected applicants are invited to submit a full application with detailed project plans, budgets, and supporting documentation. The pre-application deadline for the 2026 cycle is April 30, 2026 at 4 p.m. PDT. DEQ provides additional support through information sessions, office hours, and application guidebooks. New WebGrants accounts require manual approval, typically within one to two business days. Evaluation criteria are made available through the application platform and are designed to assess project alignment with program goals, feasibility, community impact, and contribution to reducing toxic exposure. First-time applicants may receive additional consideration. Awards are expected to be distributed following the execution of grant agreements, which begin in January. The grant period is limited to 24 months and is not renewable. The program operates on a recurring basis with a new funding priority established for each cycle, creating ongoing opportunities for eligible applicants to participate in future rounds.

Align project clearly with reducing toxic exposure in building materials; emphasize community impact and equity; ensure all costs are directly tied to project goals; prepare strong letters of support including beneficiary perspectives