Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program

The Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), a state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s environmental quality. The program is part of DEQ’s broader Materials Management strategy, which focuses on reducing the environmental and human health impacts associated with the production, use, and disposal of materials. Following a relaunch in 2024, the program continues to support innovative projects that align with the agency’s 2050 Vision and Framework for Action, emphasizing sustainability, environmental justice, and community-centered solutions. The primary objective of this grant cycle is to fund projects under the annual theme “Built for Well-Being: Reducing Exposure to Toxic Substances in Building Materials.” This focus addresses the widespread presence of harmful chemicals in common construction and renovation materials such as paints, furniture, insulation, adhesives, and textiles. These substances, including PFAS, flame retardants, heavy metals, and solvents, are associated with significant health risks such as cancer, developmental disorders, and respiratory illness. The program aims to reduce these exposures by supporting safer material selection, research into alternatives, and education initiatives that promote healthier built environments. Funding for the 2026 cycle totals up to $2,000,000, with a dedicated allocation of up to $500,000 reserved for federally recognized Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises, and Tribal-owned businesses. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of project-related activities and costs, including education and outreach, workforce training, research, policy development, and implementation of safer material practices. Allowable expenses include administrative costs, personnel salaries, contractor payments, publications, and equipment or supplies directly tied to project execution. Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with the funding priority and provide measurable environmental or health benefits. Eligible applicants are drawn from across the state of Oregon, with DEQ strongly encouraging participation from projects that serve or are led by BIPOC communities, rural populations, and other underrepresented groups. While the program is open to a broad range of entities, including government bodies, nonprofits, and potentially private or community-based organizations, all applicants must propose projects that directly address toxic exposure reduction in building materials. Tribal entities receive prioritized funding consideration, reflecting DEQ’s commitment to equity and inclusion. The application process begins with a required pre-application submitted through the WebGrants online platform. This initial step serves as an eligibility screening mechanism, after which only the most competitive applicants are invited to submit a full application. This two-step process ensures that resources are focused on high-impact proposals. Project proposals are evaluated by a panel of DEQ subject matter experts, who assess alignment with program goals, feasibility, innovation, and potential impact. Only top-scoring projects are selected for funding. The pre-application deadline for the 2026 cycle is April 30 at 4:00 p.m. PDT. While specific dates for the full application and award announcements are not explicitly provided, the program operates on an annual cycle, indicating recurring funding opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to register for updates via the DEQ website to stay informed about key milestones, guidance materials, and program announcements. Questions and inquiries can be directed to the program team via email. Overall, the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program represents a strategic investment in safer, more sustainable building practices across Oregon. By targeting toxic substances in materials and promoting healthier alternatives, the program supports long-term environmental protection, public health improvement, and market transformation toward less harmful products.

Focus on strong alignment with toxic reduction in building materials and demonstrate clear community and health impact; competitive scoring favors high-impact and well-justified proposals