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Materials Management Grants Program

Reduce, reuse, reimagine - materials management grants

After a four year pause, Materials Management relaunched the grants program in May of 2024 to address some of the inequities and inefficiencies within our application process and to better align our program with the 2050 Vision for Materials Management and the 2020 Framework for Action.

Our program relaunched with the new name: Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine: Materials Management Grants. We hope this updated name ignites creativity as you think of community and environmentally focused work you would like to see implemented in your area!  The 2024 grant cycle is closed for solicitation. Sign-up for our newsletter to receive announcements for our spring 2025 solicitation schedule.

Learn more about some of the improvements we have implemented:

  • Funding amount: We will be awarding up to $1 million in grants during this first cycle.
  • Upfront funding: The majority of funds will be disbursed up front, instead of by reimbursement. Disbursements will be made in several installments over the grant period.
  • Funding range: The project funding range is $25,000 to $125,000. Projects may take up to two years to be completed.
  • Application process: The first step of the solicitation period is a simple pre-application. Following an eligibility screen, the most competitive projects will be invited to submit a main application.
  • First-time applicants: Extra points will be awarded to first-time applicants during the main application round and we strongly encourage projects that address inequities in BIPOC, rural, and underrepresented communities to apply.

​​​This year, DEQ is introducing an Annual Funding Area. All project proposals must fit within the annual funding area. The annual funding area will change each year so if your project does not qualify this cycle, please check back again next year.

Waste prevention funding area

For the 2024 Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine grant cycle, the annual funding area is Waste Prevention. Waste prevention is an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and generation of waste before something becomes trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities reduce waste by changing product design, by using less, by using something longer, or by repairing it.

Projects may include but are not limited to: a farmers market purchasing reusable dishes to eliminate single use products; a small business buying a new technology to etch glass instead of applying plastic product labels; a store investing in bulk storage for zero waste product resupplying. The goal is to prevent waste from being produced rather than dealing with it after it has already been generated.

Who can apply

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply:

  • ​Local Government
  • Nonprofit (501(c)(3) and (c)(4) status, or a fiscally sponsored organization 
  • Tribal Nation
  • Organizations created through intergovernmental agreements 
  • Public School, Public university or Community College 
  • Small business (50 employees or less)

Pre-application and main application​ process

Pre-application phase

In an effort to reduce the burden on applicants, this grant cycle will include two rounds, starting with a simple pre-application. The purpose of the pre-application is to provide the review committee with enough information about your proposed project for the committee to determine whether it aligns with the grant program purpose and objectives and meets the minimum qualifications. Applicants will be notified by July 19, 2024 whether or not they will be invited to complete the main application.

Main application phase

Top scoring projects will be invited to participate in the main application proposal, which will include more in-depth questions about the project budget, timeline and more. An invitation to submit a main application proposal does not guarantee funding.

How to apply

DEQ is moving to a web-based application platform called WebGrants​. Register for your WebGrants account by June 11, 2024 (one week before pre-applications closes – see timeline below). It will take 1-2 business days for your registration to be approved.

2024 application timeline

Estimated dates of Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine grant application and deadlines are below. These are subject to change.​

  • May 2024
    May 21, 2024: Pre-application is posted online, application solicitation period begins

  • June 2024
    June 18, 2024: Pre-application due, Pre-applications must be submitted in WebGrants by 4 p.m. PT.

  • July 2024
    July 19, 2024: Main Application Announcement, qualified applicants will be notified of their invitation to the main application

  • September 2024
    Sept. 3, 2024: Main application due, all documents and applications must be submitted by 4 p.m., Sept. 3, 2024.

  • December 2024
    Grant awards announcement, all grantees will be notified of conditionally approved grants

  • January 2025
    Grant agreement/disbursement of funds; during this period grantees will work with a grant administrator to sign a grant agreement and establish the schedule for disbursement of funds​

​

​Grant funds may be used for (but are not limited to) the following activities and costs, so long as they are directly tied to the grant project and are supported by legible proof of payment documentation.

Eligible activities:

  • Education and outreach
  • Training
  • Research
  • Program, project or policy development
  • Workforce development

Eligible costs:

  • Administrative costs, such as travel, office expenses, and overhead
  • Salaries and benefits for project personnel and payments to consultants or contractors
  • Publications and other printed materials
  • Machinery, vehicles, equipment, signs, containers and project-related supplies

Eligible project examples:

DEQ may award grants for activities that reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials at all stages of their life cycles, such as:

  • A farmers market purchasing reusable dishes to eliminate single use products
  • Community tool libraries or other share libraries
  • A small business buying a new technology to etch glass instead of applying plastic product labels
  • A store investing in bulk storage for zero waste product resupplying
  • Funding for EcoBiz programs to prevent use of toxics at small business

For a more detailed list of projects DEQ can fund this grant cycle see Ex​amples of Waste Prevention Activities and Projects. This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it helps inspire some ideas.

Ineligible costs:

Grant funds cannot be used for:

  • Costs for which payment has been or will be received under another financial assistance program.
  • Costs associated with solid waste or materials management planning that are outside the scope the proposed project.
  • Costs incurred before DEQ issues a grant agreement (anticipated January 2025).
  • Costs incurred after the expiration date of the grant agreement (anticipated January 2027).
  • License applications or permit fees.
  • Ordinary operating expenses of the grant applicant that are not directly related to the project.
  • Costs incurred for permitted facility closures.
  • Payment of fines, penalties, arrears, judgments or other such obligations.
  • Costs associated with preparing a grant proposal, proposal, stock or debt offering, formation of partnerships, incorporations, fundraising or other forms of such business costs.
  • Any activity or program that supports mechanical, chemical or other forms of recycling of paper, packaging, food serviceware or other products.​

​

​​DEQ will be accepting grant applications through the online system called WebGrants. If you would like to request accommodations to apply in another format, send an email to our grants team at: RRRGrants@deq.oregon.gov ​

Frequently asked questions

How do I access WebGrants?

Visit the WebGrants site 
WebGrants works best on a laptop or desktop. You may encounter problems using a cell phone.

I created my account on WebGrants but can’t log in. What do I do?

All new registrants will need to be approved individually by DEQ’s grants coordinator. You will receive an email with a username and a temporary password. Please allow 1-2 days after registration to receive this email. If you do not receive a confirmation email contact RRRGrants@deq.oregon.gov​ ​for assistance.

When creating an account in the online grants system, whose information should I provide in the 'User Information' section? Whose information should I provide in the 'Organization Information' section?

The information under “user information” should be of the grant writer or main point of contact for the grant application. The Organization Information should be the information for the organization that you are representing and seeking funding for.


​​​Information sessions

DEQ hosted information sessions. Information sessions began with a brief presentation where we shared program updates including: the Waste Prevention annual funding area, accessing the WebGrants application platform, and the pre-application and main application process. 

Meeting dates

Office hours

DEQ hosted drop-in office hours the week prior to the pre-application due date of June 18. There was no formal presentation; this was an opportunity for interested applicants to drop-in and ask questions related to the application process or their project proposal. Office hours were not be recorded, but questions will be collected and shared on the DEQ website.

Office hours dates:

  • Monday, June 10 – 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, June 11 – 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 12 –3 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 13 – 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • ​Friday, June 14 –3 p.m.-4 p.m.

​​​Eligibility and ineligibility questions


Q: Who is eligible for your grants program?
A: The following entities are eligible to apply for our grants program:
  •  Local governments
  •  Nonprofits (501(c)(3) and (c)(4) status, or a fiscally sponsored organization
  •  Tribal Nations
  •  Organizations created through intergovernmental agreements
  •  Public School, Public university or Community College
  •  Small business (50 employees or less)
Q: What costs does a Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine grant allow? 
A: The following are eligible costs through a RRR Grant:
  • Administrative costs, such as travel, office expenses, and overhead
  • Salaries and benefits for project personnel and payments to consultants or contractors
  • Publications and other printed materials
  • Machinery, vehicles, equipment, signs, containers and project-related supplies
Q: What is the eligible funding range?
A: The funding range for the two-year grant cycle is $25,000-$125,000.
 
Q: If I am awarded a grant, would I be ineligible for MIRROR grants ?
A: No. If you are awarded an RRR grant, you would still be eligible for MIRROR grant funding.
 
Q: Are projects that focus on recycling eligible?
A: No. Recycling-focused projects and associated program costs are not eligible.
 
Q: If a program has waste prevention and recycling components, would the entire program be ineligible due to the recycling components? 
A: The recycling aspects of the project would be ineligible. The waste prevention components would be eligible.

Q; Is rent on physical space (storage, warehousing, operations, office) an eligible expense for grant funds? 
A. Yes, rent on physical space is an eligible expense for this grant round. 

Q: Are there any funding areas that are out-of-bounds?  For example, electronics or motor vehicles?   
A. There are no funding areas that are out-of-bounds. As long as the proposed project emphasizes waste prevention of a material, it would qualify for the funding area. 

 

Application questions


​Q: Is there an obligation to proceed to the main application if invited?
A: No, you are not required to submit a main application if you are invited.
 
Q: Will a scoring rubric be provided so we know what is most important in the application?
A: Yes, our scoring criteria will be available on our website and linked within the application on the WebGrants platform.

Q: Can organizations submit more than one grant application?
A: An organization can submit more than one grant application for different projects. The applications must be for distinct projects and cannot be combined.
 
Q: Can two entities partner on a project and submit an application together? 
A: If a partnership makes sense for your project, one entity will complete an application as the main applicant and may list the partner entity as a subcontractor. Funds will only be disbursed to the main applicant.
 
Q: It is stated that first-time applicants will receive extra points. How are first time applicants defined? When will the extra points be awarded?
A: A first-time applicant is an independent entity that has not applied for a Materials Managment grant during a previous grant cycle. For example: a particular department (Department A) within a government agency is applying for a Materials Managment grant for the first time. A different department (Department B) within that same government agency applied for a Materials Managment grant in 2017. Department A would be considered a first-time applicant, even if Department B applied in 2017. If you are unsure whether or not you are a first-time applicant, ask us and we will let you know. The extra points will be awarded during the main application review.

Q: What is the preapplication timeline?  And when will funding be available? 
A: The pre-application opened May 21st, 2024, and closes June 18th, 2024. Funds will be available at the earliest January 2025. This timing will vary for each applicant and is dependent on the amount of time it takes to prepare the grant agreement. 

Q: Can you describe the difference between the two applications? 
A: The prep-application has a few narrative questions that will ask the applicant to address information about their organization, their project and how it related to the waste prevention funding area, and the community their project serves. The main application will ask more detailed questions about your project goals, outcomes, budget, and timelines.   

Q: Are letters of support required?
A: Three letters of support are required with the main application. At least one letter of support must come from someone who will directly benefit from the proposed project such as residents, neighbors, local environmental justice groups, or others. 
Letters may also come from:  

  • Former or current grantors  
  • Former or current partner organizations 
  • Local governments or jurisdiction representatives  
  • Subject matter experts  

Funding questions


Q: Are submissions with matching funds more competitive in this process?
A: Matching funds are not required and are not a criterion for scoring.
 
Q: Is there an option to have this grant renewed and the project sustained past the two-year grant period? 
A: No. Grant funds for each grant cycle are only available during the 24-month grant term and cannot be renewed. The Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine grant program will have annual funding opportunities with a new funding area each year.

Q: When will funds be dispersed? 
A: Grant agreements will be generated starting in January. Funds will be dispersed after the agreement is final. 
 
Q: Can you provide more detail on the 3-installment timeframe?
A:  Installment timeframes will differ based on the schedule of each grant recipient. The first 50% of funds are disbursed at the execution of the grant agreement. Installment 2 (40 percent of grant) will be disbursed after the grant recipient has spent the first installment and provided DEQ with all receipts and a report documenting how the grant funds were spent. Installment 3 (10 percent of grant) will be disbursed after the grant recipient has spent the second installment and provided DEQ with all receipts and a report documenting how the grant funds were spent.

Q: Is there a certain amount of funds allocated for each region? 
A: No. The total funding amount is available across the entire state.  

Q: Does the amount of funding an organization can apply for different based on the entity apply? 
A: No. The funding range is the same for all entities. 

Q: Do you have an estimate of how many awards you might make? 
A: No. We will award the full amount of funding that is available ($1 million) so long as we receive project proposals that fit within our program's annual funding area and goals. We do not know the number of projects that will be awarded.  

Q: How is the Reduce, Reuse, Reimage Grants program funded?  
A: DEQ's Materials Management program, including the RRR Grants program, is funded through statewide landfill tipping fees.

Q: If a grant recipient is requesting funds to pay a salary, is it critical that the organization demonstrate they can continue to pay the salary after the 2-year grant project?
A: The budget tables on the main application only request you to show the funding you are requesting during the grant term. It is not required that an applicant demonstrates how they will continue to the project after the granting term.

Q: What is average amount grant award?
A: The average grant amount varies. Grant evaluation and scoring is not based on the dollar amount requested.
 
Q: For admin costs, what indirect rate is allowed?
A: The maximum indirect cost rate is 10% unless your organization has a negotiated indirect rate with the federal government. The indirect rate that is charged to DEQ cannot be higher than what is charged against any other provider of funding.


​​​​Benton, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties: 

  • Cathie Rhoades
    4026 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
    Salem, OR 97302
    503-378-5089

Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and Lane counties:

  • ​Cathy Brown
    165 East Seventh St., Suite 100
    Eugene, OR  97401
    541-687-7325 

Clackamas, Clatsop, Multnomah and Tillamook​ counties:

  • Lexi Meek
    700 NE Multnomah St., Suite 600
    Portland, OR 97201-4987
    503-229-5790

Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Milton-Freewater, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties:

  • Laurie Gordon
    475 NE Bellevue Dr., Suite 110
    Bend, Oregon 97701
    541-633-2029

Columbia, Multnomah and Washington counties:

Crook, Deschutes, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler

  • Colin Teem​
    475 NE Bellevue Dr. Suite 110
    Bend, Oregon 97701
    971-300-3318​

​​

Disclaimer: These documents may not contain current contact or program information and should be used for reference only.


Contact

If you have any questions you can reach out to the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Coordinator Haley Miller at 503-995-2698

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