Organics Infrastructure Grant

The Organics Infrastructure Grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy through its Materials Management Division and Recycling Unit. The program is designed to support infrastructure projects that expand the composting and anaerobic digestion of food waste and food scraps across the state of Michigan. EGLE’s broader mission is to protect public health and the environment by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, while also advancing climate change mitigation, equity, and sustainable development. This grant program aligns with statewide priorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve recycling rates, particularly through diversion of organic materials from landfills. The primary purpose of the grant is to increase access to food waste collection and processing infrastructure, enhance participation in existing programs, and support measurable environmental outcomes such as reductions in methane emissions. Projects funded under this opportunity must demonstrate the ability to expand capacity, improve participation, and contribute to climate goals. The program emphasizes shovel ready infrastructure investments, meaning projects must already be feasible and ready for implementation upon funding. Eligible project types include curbside food waste carts, collection vehicles, drop off infrastructure, multi family collection systems, and processing equipment such as composting or anaerobic digestion systems. Funding for this program totals approximately 2000000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of 5000 dollars to a maximum of 250000 dollars. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to incur and pay for expenses prior to receiving reimbursement. A mandatory cost share of at least 20 percent of the total project cost is required from applicants, and matching funds must be provided in cash form. In kind contributions, staff time, and indirect costs are not eligible as match. Funds must be expended within the grant period, which is anticipated to begin on September 30, 2026 and conclude on September 30, 2028. Eligibility is limited to entities physically located in Michigan and includes nonprofits, tribal governments, school districts, higher education institutions, local health departments, regional planning agencies, municipalities, solid waste authorities, businesses, corporations, and other private sector entities. Projects must be conducted within Michigan and must demonstrate compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. Additional eligibility conditions include demonstrating long term project viability, confirming proper end use of collected materials, and ensuring that funded infrastructure supports diversion from landfill disposal. The application process requires submission through an online application system, including a completed application form and an itemized budget with narrative justification. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as letters of commitment, partnership agreements, cost estimates, and relevant project data. All submissions must address program objectives, priorities, and required tasks including infrastructure purchase, installation, and impact reporting. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility compliance, project readiness, environmental impact, collaboration, and alignment with program priorities. The application deadline is August 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, following an issue date of June 24, 2026. There is no indication of recurring funding cycles, and applications must be complete at the time of submission to be considered. Selected applicants will enter into a grant agreement with EGLE, which outlines reporting requirements, budget controls, and compliance obligations. The evaluation process may include requests for clarification or revisions, and EGLE reserves the right to partially fund proposals or adjust award amounts based on available funding and project merit.

Focus on measurable increases in capacity participation and emissions reduction; demonstrate partnerships and sustainable funding; ensure project is shovel ready with clear metrics