The Hennepin County provides funding and assistance for businesses and organizations to start or improve programs to divert recyclables and/or organics.
Donor Name: Hennepin County
State: Minnesota
County: Hennepin County (MN)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 11/11/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Hennepin County to funds projects that start or improve solid waste prevention in the business and nonprofit sectors. Areas of focus can include preventing food from going to waste, reuse and recovery of goods and materials, and replacing disposables with reusables. Solid waste is defined as non-hazardous, municipal solid waste, which includes trash, mixed recyclables (including paper, glass, plastics, metals, cartons) and organics. Any project that prevents, reduces, or reuses waste (trash, recycling, and organics) may be eligible. Projects to start or improve recycling or organics programs do not qualify for this funding. 
Funding Information

In 2024, $300,000 is available to fund these grants.
Grant requests must be between $2,500 and $50,000.

Eligible Projects and Expenses
Examples of projects and eligible expenses for consideration include but are not limited to: 

Replacing disposables with reusable food packaging, dishes, utensils, and cups 
Reusable shipping and packaging containers, such as food crates and shipping boxes 
Reusable wrap, such as pallet wrap and boat storage 
Dishwashing equipment, including installation 

$10,000 maximum
If used by a licensed food business, must meet Minnesota Food Code requirements, and have approval of regulating health department. Must be Energy Star-certified.
No replacement dishwashers

Food waste prevention 

Equipment (other than refrigerators and freezers) or other methods to put food byproducts to greater use 
Food-waste tracking technology 

Staff training on how to use technology 
Software contract costs for up to one year 
Examples of software: Leanpath, Phood, Winnow

Reuse and repair retailers 

Staffing for new activities such as:

Marketing 
Training 
Website and social media development o Search-engine optimization 

Technology or software systems for inventory management 

Capital improvements 
Improvements to existing space 
Fitting rooms, lighting, awnings, painting
Projects involving removal or installation of building materials must consult with Hennepin County construction and demolition staff during the application process to discuss plans for reuse and recycling. 

Specialized vehicles strictly for collection and transport of goods for reuse. 

Purchase, rental or one-time service fees may be considered

Innovation in waste prevention 

Design or manufacturing changes to packaging or products that reduce material use 
Projects that use solid waste products as raw material 
Software intended to track, identify or otherwise lead to preventing waste

Eligibility Criteria
For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Hennepin County that are registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State are eligible to apply. Out-of-state businesses can apply but must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State to be considered, and all projects must occur in Hennepin County.
For more information, visit Hennepin County.