Litter-Free Rhode Island Summer 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 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 working to improve 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 August 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2026, or until the grant money runs out, whichever comes first.
General Requirements
The microgrants may be used for local 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 August 15, 2026.
Please note that the maximum funding for any single project is limited to $500.
REMINDER: By accepting the funding from RIDEM, you will be required to provide proof that the activity was carried out as proposed. Proof will be reported below after the event. DEM requires submission of the following:
- Miles Covered of Cleanup: (number)
- Number of People attending the event: (number)
- Pounds of litter or marine debris removed: (number)
- Number of People that signed the Litter Free Pledge: (number)
- Photos from Event: (provide the option to upload photos)
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.
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.”
Grant Round Opens Soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 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 criteria include relevancy to local environmental/community interests, increased learning opportunities for the community, long-term environmental/beautification impact, and demonstrated need.
Yes. The online application must be received by the deadline indicated above.
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.