2026 Reduce Reuse Pilot Grants

The State of Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation is offering a competitive grant program to fund short‑term projects that extend the life of products through donation, sharing, rescue, reuse, or repair. Eligible entities (businesses, non‑profits, solid‑waste agencies, municipalities, schools/colleges) may receive between $3,000 and $10,000 for a project lasting no more than one year, with a total program budget of $40,000. Projects must focus on waste reduction—not recycling or composting—and be completed between 15 Dec 2026 and 15 Dec 2027. Proposals are due 16 Oct 2026; a pre‑bid workshop is held 10 Sep 2026. • Grant amount per award: $3,000 – $10,000 (total $40,000) • Eligible activities: product donation, resale, repair services, reusable packaging systems, bulk dispensing stations, deconstruction pilots, community repair events, inventory‑tech tools, etc. • Ineligible: operating expenses, recycling/composting, promotional swag, art projects. • Project period: ≤ 12 months (Dec 2026 – Dec 2027) • Required deliverables: kickoff meeting, quarterly updates, final report; compliance monitoring by the State. • Application deadline: 16 Oct 2026, 4 pm EDT; questions due 14 Sep 2025; workshop 10 Sep 2026, 2 pm EDT (virtual). • Primary contact: Kaitlin Colatch, (802) 461‑6175, [email protected].