ecomaine has launched its call for schools in its member communities to propose projects focused on waste diversion for up to $5,000 in funding for the 2023-24 school year. Projects that focus on waste reduction or reuse, recycling, or composting are eligible for consideration for awards from the total pool of $30,000. The deadline for proposals is Friday, May 12, 2023.
Schools, including those from pre-K to secondary education, as well as afterschool programs from any of ecomaine’s more than 70 member communities are qualified to submit a proposal at www.ecomaine.org/grants. Past grant proposals have ranged from purchasing in-school recycling bins or educational resources, to offsetting compost hauling fees, litter cleanups, or installing water bottle-filling stations to reduce plastic bottle consumption.
“The pandemic has wreaked havoc on every area of education,” said Matt Grondin, ecomaine’s Director of Communications & Public Affairs. “Recycling, composting, and waste management are no exceptions. We hear from students, teachers, and staff that these are important parts of school life and the learning process to them, so we hope that schools in our communities will see this as an opportunity to re-invest in sustainability strategies.”
Recipients will be chosen in May by ecomaine’s Outreach and Recycling Committee based on the following criteria:
(1) Project outline and school commitment
(2) Ease of project replication
(3) Demonstration of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, or composting strategies
(4) Likelihood of success and program sustainability
(5) How compelling and worthy the project funding is, overall
Along with its grants program, ecomaine also promotes increased public awareness of sustainable waste management through its eco-Excellence Awards, Recycling is a Work of Art painting contest, the Upcycle Challenge, and a vigorous public education and outreach program. In the last year, ecomaine reached more than 73,000 school children and members of the public through grants, tours, presentations, and events.