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Materials Management Grants Program

Reduce, reuse, reimagine - materials management grants

Materials Management is excited to announce the relaunch of our grants program. The program was paused in 2020 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.

We look forward to relaunching our program 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!  We plan to begin our solicitation process late Spring 2024.

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 solicitation period will open later this spring with a simple pre-application. Following an eligibility screen, the most competitive projects will be invited to submit a full application.
  • First-time applicants: Extra points will be awarded to first-time applicants 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 completed in WebGrants by June 18

  • July 2024
    July 19, 2024: Round 2 Announcement, qualified applicants will be notified of their invitation to the second round

  • September 2024
    September 2, 2024: Main application due, all documents and applications must be submitted by September 2

  • 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​

​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.


The WebGrants registration guidebook, applicant handbook, and example projects will be available here in late May.​

​​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, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler counties:

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

Columbia, Multnomah and Washington counties:


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