Litter-Free Rhode Island Fall Cleanup Microgrants

The Litter-Free Rhode Island Cleanup Microgrant initiative aims to highlight the Litter-Free Rhode Island campaign and the value of the environment, and to recognize the importance of people improving the quality of life in their communities. Environmental stewardship is an important component of a healthy business climate. Improving the appearance of our neighborhoods and our scenic and recreational areas improves our quality of life and our business climate as well. 

Grant Award Amounts

The RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) will accept applications for grants of up to $500 each to qualified applicants to conduct litter pick-ups to be held no later than December 15, 2025. Applications will be accepted by through October 31, 2025, or until the grant money runs out, whichever comes first. 

General Requirements

The grants may be used for local volunteer cleanups/beautification projects and must include an educational component.  All applications need to demonstrate how the event will promote education of the Litter-Free Rhode Island campaign and strongly encourage participants to sign the Litter-Free Pledge.

The grants may be used for local volunteer cleanups or beautification projects and must include an educational component.  All applications need to demonstrate how the event will promote education of the Litter-Free Rhode Island campaign and strongly encourage participants to sign the Litter-Free Pledge.

A link to the online application is below.  All sections of the application must be completed; incomplete forms will not be considered.  Projects must be completed no later than December 15, 2025.  Following completion of the event, DEM requires the submittal of photographs of the event, the number of participants, the amount of material collected, and proof that the funding was successfully spent as proposed. 

Please note that maximum funding for any single project shall be limited to $500.00.

Evaluation Criteria 

• Relevancy to local environmental/community interests.
• Increased learning opportunities for the community.
• Long term environmental/beautification impact.
• Demonstrated need.

Expenses Not Funded

• Personnel expenses (i.e. salary, overtime, professional landscapers, etc).
• Fuel or travel costs related to purchasing items for the event/project.
• Expenses incurred prior to grant award date.
• Direct or Indirect Lobbying or political activities.

The completed application and registration form must be submitted by 4 PM on October 31, 2025. 

Please consider the environment with the purchase of any material. Try to avoid single-use plastics, recycle any packaging materials, and encourage guests to “carry-in carry-out.”

Additional Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact RIDEM’s Director’s Office, Suzanne.Amerault@dem.ri.gov.