Community zero-waste grants

Community zero-waste grants is sponsored by Hennepin County. These grants provide funding to community-based organizations in Hennepin County to develop and lead waste prevention and diversion projects.

Community zero-waste grants | Hennepin County Community zero-waste grants Community zero-waste grants provide funding to community-based organizations to develop and lead waste prevention and diversion projects. This grant program embraces community-rooted projects and uses innovative solutions to reach zero waste in communities historically underserved.

This grant will support place-based practices that provide benefits and long-term solutions to improve waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and organics recovery from waste. Community zero waste grants media kit (DOCX, 11MB) Applicants may apply for up to $100,000 for 3 years. Applicants can use funds to put in place projects that advance the county’s zero waste goals.

There is no minimum grant award. Community-led swaps, repair clinics, special material collections, and recycling or organics drop-off sites that address waste programming gaps or culturally specific needs.

Materials needed for project implementation Labor costs for any personnel working on the project Administrative, design, and planning costs Outreach, engagement, training, and educational materials Community-based organizations located in Hennepin County that are registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Non-profit organizations that demonstrate community partnership and aim to expand zero waste capacities in underserved areas of Hennepin County. Applications should have the approval of an authorizing person who can enter into agreements with Hennepin County. Hennepin County requires organizations to have insurance in order to conduct community zero waste projects.

Grantee warrants that it has a purchased insurance or a self-insurance program sufficient to meet its liability obligations. If activities performed under this Agreement involve driving, Grantee shall maintain $500,000 automobile liability and, if necessary, commercial umbrella insurance.

Such insurance shall cover liability for bodily injury and property damage arising from the use or operation of any auto, including those owned, hired, or otherwise operated or used by or on behalf of Grantee in relation to activities performed under this Agreement. Grantee shall provide Hennepin County with a certificate evidencing such insurance upon request.

2024 community zero waste grant guidelines (PDF, 1MB) Community zero-waste grants Hennepin County awarded six community zero-waste grants totaling $450,000 in 2025. African Career Education and Resources (ACER), Minneapolis $35,000 to make the annual Shingle Creek Center Fair in Brooklyn Center a low waste event. Free Geek Twin Cities, Minneapolis $110,000 to further reduce electronic waste for reuse or recycling.

Little Earth Residents Association, Minneapolis 125,000 dollars to improve recycling, start organics recycling, and add repair clinics to clothing swaps. Lyndale Neighborhood Association, Minneapolis $9,000 to host swap events to facilitate and promote reuse among residents. Oromo Diaspora Media, Minneapolis $95,000 to start recycling and organics recycling at three religious institutions.

Zone For Integrated Resources and Alliances with Nature (ZIRAN), Minnetonka $76,000 to start recycling and organics recycling at three businesses serving the Asian American population. ZIRAN celebration of reuse and connection On August 29, 2025, ZIRAN and MinnSea Academy hosted the first Let It Go Swap and Flea Market. The outside event was at Greenwood Elementary in Plymouth.

The event brought together 400 community members and 50 vendor families. This was a celebration of sustainability, cultural exchange, and community connection. Let It Go 2025 was a joyful space for people to share stories, swap goods, and reduce waste.

Families donated gently used items and found new treasures to take home. Local vendors offered handmade crafts, vintage finds, and cultural foods. The event also featured live music, youth-led performances, and hands-on activities.

The activities encouraged creativity and environmental awareness. ZIRAN’s mission to foster harmony between people and nature was reflected in every detail, from the zero-waste setup to the multilingual signage. By centering reuse and community care, Let It Go 2025 helped participants “let go” of excess and embrace shared abundance.

The event was a powerful reminder that sustainability starts with connection. Joy can be found in the simple act of giving something a second life. Learn more about the event on ZIRAN's website .

Little Earth boosts recycling among residents With funds from a Hennepin County community zero-waste grant, the Little Earth Residents’ Association purchased a utility vehicle to make recycling collection easier across its campus. Before this initiative, recycling participation was minimal, with a single dumpster rarely used. Today, that dumpster fills twice a week.

Property management has increased pickup service. They are also considering swapping some trash dumpsters for recycling dumpsters. The zero-waste team launched its efforts by visiting townhomes, handing out recycling totes and easy-to-follow guides, and helping with weekly pickups using the new vehicle.

Next, the team will expand to apartment complexes. The association is partnering with property management to plan for more recycling service as community interest grows, and the zero-waste initiative is now seen as one of Little Earth’s most impactful community-driven projects in recent years.

Oromo Diaspora Media improves recycling during Ramadan at Tawfiq Islamic Center Oromo Diaspora Media received a community zero-waste grant from Hennepin County to start recycling at three Oromo community sites. The Tawfiq Islamic Center made recycling available for the first time during the Ramadan holy month. From February 17 to March 19, over 600 water bottles were recycled per day.

Oromo Diaspora Media is also working to establish recycling at Ebenezer Oromo Evangelical Church and Redeemer Oromo Evangelical Church. Oromo Diaspora Media CEO Eticha estimates this project will reach over 2,500 residents and help expose Muslim and Oromo Evangelical Communities to environmental programs in Hennepin County.

Free Geek starts mobile tech recycling collection With assistance from a community zero waste grant, Free Geek Twin Cities began accepting donations of computers and electronics at mobile collection events, helping reduce transportation and other access barriers for residents. They continue to accept and resell items at their store in south Minneapolis.

Over 3,350 pounds of electronics were collected at the first mobile collection event on April 18 at Pershing Park in Minneapolis, and more tech drives are being planned in neighborhoods and cities throughout the county. Free Geek focuses on refurbishing and reusing as many of the collected items as possible. When reuse isn’t feasible, e-waste items are properly recycled.

Little Earth Residents Association advances zero waste goals With funds from the community zero waste grant, the Little Earth Residents Association purchased a utility vehicle to streamline recycling collection across 212 dwellings on the 9. 4-acre residential campus. Before the initiative, recycling participation was minimal, with a single 3-yard dumpster rarely used.

Today, that same dumpster overflows twice weekly, prompting property management to increase pick-up frequency and consider replacing trash dumpsters with recycling dumpsters instead. The Zero Waste team launched its efforts by visiting townhome clusters, distributing recycling totes and instructional materials, and assisting households with weekly pickups using the new utility vehicle.

Currently, 23 households participate, generating 825 gallons of recyclables weekly. This achievement represents 20% of the project’s goal with only 11% resident participation. As the team expands to apartment complexes, recycling volumes are expected to rise significantly.

The association met with property management to address the urgent need for increased recycling service and prepare for growing community engagement. The Zero Waste initiative is now recognized as one of Little Earth’s most impactful community-driven projects in recent years. Hennepin County is working toward a zero‑waste future.

That means designing materials so they can be reused. This reduces toxic and unnecessary waste. This keeps resources out of landfills and incinerators.

The county defines zero waste as keeping 90% or more of discarded materials from being burned or buried. Community feedback from the Zero Waste Plan (PDF, 3MB) led to a new grant program. The focus on reducing racial disparities and increasing equity in the waste system.

The grant supports community-driven projects helping prevent waste and increasing recycling and composting. This program helps the county fill gaps in the current waste system. It also supports workforce development for well-paying green jobs.

Grants will go to community organizations working on zero‑waste efforts. make the waste system more fair. cut the amount of waste going to landfills and waste‑to‑energy facilities.

support the county’s climate and zero‑waste goals. At-home recycling overview chevron_right Green partners programs chevron_right Supplier Portal help chevron_right Community zero waste grant coordinator Email: andre. x.

xiong@hennepin. us