Funding open to all types of projects; cleanups focused on coastal cleanups will be given priority

PROVIDENCE, RI — On Aug 28th, Governor Dan McKee, First Lady Susan McKee, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) announced a new round of available microgrants for fall cleanups through the First Lady’s Litter-Free Rhode Island program. This latest round of funding will prioritize cleanups along Rhode Island's coastline, but other cleanups throughout the state are also eligible.

Funding for the fall coastal cleanups includes new funding from a $100,000 line item in the Governor’s FY25 budget as well as carryover funding from Governor McKee’s FY24 budget. 

“Rhode Island is best known for its beaches, and our coastline serves a valuable economic, environmental, and social purpose to our state, businesses, and residents,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The First Lady and I are thrilled to announce this latest round of funding and we encourage all Rhode Islanders to continue efforts to maintain our state’s natural beauty, and keep Rhode Island cleaner, healthier, and safer for all.”

"Rhode Island's coastline is a treasure that we must cherish and protect. I am proud to join the Governor in supporting these fall cleanups, which not only enhance the beauty of our beaches but also strengthen our community's commitment to preserving our environment,” said First Lady Susan McKee. “Together, we can ensure that our beloved Ocean State remains clean and vibrant for our children and generations to come." 

“Nobody likes seeing litter anywhere in our state but it’s especially harmful when it gets in our rivers, Narragansett Bay, and along our coastline,” said RIDEM Director Terry Gray. “Aligning with our partners at Save the Bay and the International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21, DEM is pleased to offer these grants to support community cleanup and beautification efforts across Rhode Island. Let’s all chip in to keep the Ocean State beautiful.” 

"Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is pleased to be the fiscal agent for the Litter-Free Rhode Island microgrant program," said William Fazioli, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. "Through these grants, we're helping our communities clean up litter which can clog storm drains and harm water quality. This is a smart program that will reduce litter, engage community partners, and make for a more clean and beautiful Rhode Island." 

Qualified applicants can seek grants up to $500 to host volunteer cleanups and/or beautification projects which will be completed no later than November 30, 2024. Applications will be accepted by RIDEM through October 31, 2024, or until the grant money runs out. Applicants do not need to apply for the full $500, and there is no match requirement. 

To spread the grants throughout the state, RIDEM strongly encourages potential applicants to partner with other organizations within their community. All applications need to demonstrate how the event will promote education about clean waters and oceans and strongly encourage participants to sign the Litter-Free RI Pledge.  

Additional microgrant opportunities for litter removal and beautification projects will be available in spring 2025. Information on grant details and applications will be available at that time.