County puts out call for environmental, recycling projects

Maui County is seeking grant applications for smallscale innovative environmental projects and recycling efforts.

The Department of Environmental Management is looking for applications for the Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division Grants Program, which includes a new Green Grants Program that anticipates projects related to sustainability, environmental protection, natural resource protection, conservation and restoration.

The department is also taking applications to continue its Recycling Grants Program. Past successful projects include landfill diversion, zero waste initiatives, education, equipment upgrades, program expansion, materials collection and the collection and processing of waste resources materials.

The grants are for fiscal year 2024, which starts July 1 and runs through June 30, 2024. The estimated available funds, which are subject to Maui County Council appropriations, are $100,000 for the Green Grants Program and $500,000 for the Recycling Grants Program.

Nonprofits, for-profit businesses and individuals are eligible to apply.

The grants process consists of two rounds of applications and evaluations. The first round of applications is due by 4:30 p.m. on March 24. The first round calls for an overview of the proposed project and a budget summary. Applicants with the highest scores in the first round will be invited to submit a second-round application, which calls for more detailed information and supporting documents.

A virtual grants information session will be held at 2 p.m. March 15. A link to register for the session, as well as applications and grant guides, will be available at mauicounty.gov/eps under the grants section.