Grants and funding opportunities
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.
Available funds
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.
Project ideas
Community-led swaps, repair clinics, special material collections, and recycling or organics drop-off sites that address waste programming gaps or culturally specific needs.
Eligible expenses
- 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
Eligible applicants
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.
Insurance requirements
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.
Application
Applications are closed.
Recently awarded grants
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.
Stories from grantees
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.
Background
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.
The grant aims to
- 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.