The MPCA had approximately $1,065,000 available to support waste reduction and reuse projects across the state.
Based on feedback from a public survey and input from Minnesota counties, MPCA programming is focused on investing in replacing single-use items with reusables and expanding access to community reuse events. For this grant round, applications will be scored more favorably if they involve education/outreach, infrastructure and supplies, and/or technical assistance (including “micro grants”) to:
- transition Minnesota organizations and communities to reusables (i.e., food ware, packaging, etc.) in place of single-use options, including necessary cleaning and maintenance equipment (i.e., dishwashers)
- expand community reuse events across the state like swaps, lending libraries, and fix-it clinics or repair cafes
Questions and answers
Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “FY24 Statewide Waste Reduction & Reuse Grants” no later than 4 p.m. on December 12, 2023.
MPCA employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include Minnesota not-for-profit and nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, institutions, political subdivisions of the state (including counties, cities, towns, etc.), state agencies, and tribal governments. Multi-organizational collaboration is encouraged.
Applicants asking for less than the minimum grant award ($50,000) will be deemed ineligible.
Available funds
Total available funds: $1,065,000
Minimum award: $50,000 (There is no maximum individual grant amount for projects except as limited by the total amount available.)
Applicants must match at least 25% of the grant request.
How to apply
The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be viewed through the online SWIFT portal. The RFP is termed an “Event” within the SWIFT system.
- Go to the online SWIFT portal.
- Click on "Bidding opportunities".
- Find the event by name (MPCA-Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse Grants) or ID (2000014975).
- Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)
Grant applications are only accepted through the SWIFT portal.
- Register as a bidder in the SWIFT Supplier Portal, (Bidding = "applying")
- Choose "Register for an Account" and then "Register as a Bidder".
If you are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), use your supplier ID. Visit the SWIFT Supplier Portal under “Informational Tips” and “Supplier Portal Help” for more information. For questions about applying through SWIFT, please contact the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.
More information
Waste reduction and reuse (including resale, repair, and rental) in Minnesota have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, reduce the demand for resource extraction, and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. These strategies decrease demand for new manufacturing and extend the useful life of existing materials, which supports the local economy and increases access to products and services. Investing in and raising awareness on the importance of waste reduction and reuse is a priority for the MPCA.
