The Hendricks County Recycling District is seeking grant applications from local organizations interested in undertaking recycling, waste reduction, or reuse projects. The deadline for the submission of grant applications is Friday, September 20, 2024. The grant program encourages local organizations to carry out projects that further the District’s mission of promoting recycling, waste reduction, and responsible waste management within Hendricks County.

For the current grant round, the District has again set aside more than $10,000 to award to not-for-profit or tax-exempt organizations in Hendricks County. To be considered for funding, an organization must begin a new or expand an existing program that diverts waste from landfills (by reducing, reusing, and/or recycling) or projects may focus on ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous or problem wastes.

Each applying organization is eligible to receive up to $5,000. Grant awards will be based upon the scope of the proposed program or project, the impact the program or project will have, and how well the undertaking furthers the goals of the District. The grant awards are scheduled to be announced by November 1, 2024. Places of worship, schools, libraries, charities, service organizations, and units of local government are encouraged to apply.

Past grant winners include towns, libraries, schools, parks departments, churches, and social services organizations. Many of the organizations that are awarded grants use the funds to purchase recycling bins to begin new recycling programs or expand existing programs. Grant funds have also been used to purchase water bottle refill stations, outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic, or to purchase durable dinnerware to eliminate the use of disposable plates and flatware.

Since 2006, the District has awarded over $342,000 through the Community Grants Program. Lenn Detwiler, the District’s Executive Director said, “The District’s grant program continues to be a great way to encourage local organizations to think differently about the waste they produce. Grant award winners implement changes that reduce the amount of waste they generate or provide education and hands-on experience to the individuals that they impact.”

The Grant Program Guidelines document (which includes examples of approvable projects) and the Grant Application are available at RecycleHendricksCounty.org/programs/community-grants- program/. Any questions or requests for hard copies of the above-mentioned paperwork should be directed to Lenn Detwiler at (317) 858-6070 or via email at LDetwiler@RecycleHC.org.