MassDEP opens 2025 Reduce/Reuse/Repair microgrant cycle; applications due May 15

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection said it will accept applications for the 2025 Reduce, Reuse, Repair microgrants for projects based in Massachusetts that complete within one year.

Leah Kelleher of MassDEP outlined the program at the Reduce and Reuse Working Group meeting on Jan. 22. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, regional authorities, eligible municipalities, and schools, colleges and universities. Recycling and composting projects are not eligible; the grants fund reuse and repair projects only.

Kelleher said the 2025 guidelines are posted on the MassDEP microgrants webpage and that program staff incorporated lessons from last year’s round to clarify eligible project types, evaluation criteria and uses of funds. “One of the bigger updates this year is that we established a minimum award value of $3,000 to try and encourage larger projects,” Kelleher said.

Important dates provided at the meeting:

• Virtual information session: April 1, 2025, 10–11 a.m. Eastern time.

• Application portal opens: April 15, 2025.

• Written question period: April 15–April 29; answers will be posted May 2 on the microgrants webpage.

• Application deadline: May 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern time. Kelleher said applications received after that time will not be accepted.

Kelleher said proposals should request between $3,000 and $10,000 per project. She also said applicants may contact MassDEP staff in advance to discuss project ideas and eligibility; her email and links were posted in the meeting chat and will appear on the microgrants webpage.

When asked whether there is a single funding round this year and the total amount available, speakers in the meeting provided a numerical figure that was unclear in the transcript; the staff present said there is one round in 2025 but the exact budgeted total was not specified in the meeting record. Kelleher said MassDEP will publicize guidelines, deadlines and answers to applicant questions through MassDEP channels, working groups and social media.

Potential applicants should consult the microgrants webpage for full guidelines, evaluation criteria and the formal application link when it posts on April 15.