The Litter Prevention Grant, managed by PalmettoPride, is a funding opportunity designed to support anti-litter efforts across South Carolina. Eligible applicants include litter control organizations, government departments, and nonprofits within the state. The program emphasizes collaboration, prioritizing applications from groups that partner with other volunteer organizations committed to litter reduction. Additionally, groups that have not received a grant within the last two fiscal years are prioritized. The maximum grant award is $10,000, and applications are accepted from September 1 through December 1, with awards announced on January 15.

Funded activities under this grant include a range of litter prevention and cleanup efforts. Eligible projects can involve community cleanup events, awareness campaigns, installation of trash traps like Watergoats, tarp campaigns to secure loads, and the remediation and removal of illegal dumpsites. Additionally, grants can fund supplies for ongoing large-scale cleanup activities, such as monthly community cleanups, safety materials for litter removal, and litter pickup safety signage. The grant also provides donated cleanup supplies alongside financial support.

The grant period spans January through December, with an emphasis on completing cleanups during the Great American Cleanup (GAC) from March to June. Participation in the GAC is a requirement for all grantees, who must document their cleanup efforts and submit a final financial report detailing their use of grant funds. This reporting requirement ensures accountability and helps demonstrate the impact of funded activities.

Recent recipients of the Litter Prevention Grant include various organizations across South Carolina. In 2024, awards ranged from $2,500 to $5,000 and were distributed among entities such as the Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling, the Catawba Indian Nation, the City of Cayce, and others. These funds support diverse local initiatives aimed at reducing litter and fostering community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Applicants are encouraged to develop programs that align with the grant’s focus on community involvement and sustained litter reduction efforts. For additional information or questions, applicants can contact the PalmettoPride Grant Program Manager, Sherryl Jenkins. Interested organizations can access the application form and details about previous grant recipients on the PalmettoPride website.