The Boone County Solid Waste Management District recently launched its grant program focused on reducing and properly managing waste.
The district is accepting applications for grants of up to $5,000 to support programs that emphasize sustainability, recycling and anything that promotes an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Jennifer Lawrence, executive director of the Boone County Solid Waste Management District, said all nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, civic groups, clubs and businesses operating in Boone County are eligible to apply for the community grant program.
The district has submitted a proposed budget that calls for the award of $32,000 in community grants in 2025.
The focus of previous grants was on environmental projects in Zionsville and Whitestown.
“We have received several grants from the community, including flag bins at the fire stations and recycled materials facilities at the Boys & Girls Clubs,” Lawrence said.
Funds from previous grants supported initial studies that brought the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to Zionsville, funded pet waste stations and other amenities made from recycled materials for the Humane Society of Boone County, funded recycling bins for the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Maplelawn Farmstead, Zionsville Lions Club Park, and several Zionsville schools, and supported a case study on the use of compostable takeout containers for local restaurants.
With the help of the grants, Earth Mama Compost, an Indiana-based compost pickup service, was able to launch a subscription-based residential composting program, create recyclable facilities such as trash bins along local hiking trails, and fund a pet waste station and water bottle refill station for the Village Farmers Market.
“The county’s community grants were established to build infrastructure throughout the county that provides better disposal and recycling options,” Lawrence said. “The grant also allows for the purchase of amenities made from recycled material, effectively closing the loop on the circular economy. The grant application is a simple process that includes a two-page application in addition to a quote for the items requested.”
Lawrence said that while applicants can request up to $5,000, the district often awards smaller grants and distributes the total funds among multiple organizations.
Since 2011, the district has supported 53 local organizations with grants totaling more than $250,000.
This is the district’s only calendar year grant cycle. Recipients will receive funds in 2025.
The application deadline is September 30. For more information, visit boonecountysolidwaste.com/grants.
