Litter-Free Rhode Island Spring Cleanup Microgrants
The RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is pleased to announce the availability of funds as part of Governor and First Lady McKee’s Litter-Free Rhode Island campaign centered around Earth Day cleanups and beautification projects throughout the State.
The goal of the Litter-Free Rhode Island Cleanup/Beautification Microgrant initiative is 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. Improving the appearance of our neighborhoods and scenic and recreational areas enhances our quality of life and business climate. Environmental stewardship is an important component of a healthy business climate.
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 June 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2026, or until the grant money runs out, whichever comes first.
General Requirements
The microgrants may be used for local Earth Day or other volunteer cleanups/beautification projects. 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 July 30, 2026.
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.
Eligibility
Applications may be submitted for EACH event scheduled during the application period, even if the event is hosted by the same applicant. Schools, municipal organizations (for example, town department of public works, parks and recreation, conservation commission), and non-profit organizations are all eligible to apply. To be considered, you must provide a copy of your organization’s W-9.
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 May 1, 2026.
Please consider the environment when purchasing materials. Try to avoid single-use plastics, recycle any packaging materials, and encourage guests to “carry-in carry-out.”
Submit Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools, municipal organizations (for example, town department of public works, parks and recreation, conservation commission), and non-profit organizations are all eligible to apply. In order to be considered, you must provide a copy of your organization’s W-9.
Examples of what the grant funding can be used for includes equipment (gloves, pickers), marketing (t-shirts, printing, etc.), food and/or water for the volunteers, and debris removal (dumpster, etc.).
The evaluation criteria are listed on page 2 of this packet. The criteria include relevancy to local environmental/community interests, increased learning opportunities for the community, long-term environmental/beautification impact, and demonstrated need.
The online application must be received by 4 PM on May 1, 2026.
The review committee consists of representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT).
Additional Questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact RIDEM’s Director’s Office, Suzanne.Amerault@dem.ri.gov.