Applicants can be individuals, community groups, or non-profit organizations within the capital region. For-profit businesses are not eligible for this program.

Examples of eligible applicants include:

• Resident, tenant and neighborhood groups
• Community and religious organizations
• Registered charitable and non-profit organizations
• School, university or college groups, clubs, parent councils
• Local governments and First Nation community groups

Learn more about successful grant recipients by watching this playlist.

• Purchase of individual kitchen containers for multi-family residents to collect organics
• Support for lending libraries or other sharing initiatives
• Sorting of waste and recyclables at community events (e.g., compost, recycling and refundables) 
• Purchasing a dishwasher to eliminate use of single use plates/cutlery
• Zero-waste networking events to support circular economy 
• Hosting and organizing Repair Cafe events
• Creating new products from unused materials
• Creating preserves and other products to reduce food waste

Learn more about the different types of projects that have received funding by watching these short videos.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate RWCG applications:

• Potential for waste reduction
• Community engagement
• Partnerships created and maintained
• Impact potential and long-term sustainability
• Outcomes and measurable impact

Applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis throughout the year. Funds are limited so get your application in early!

Applicants will be notified within 30 days whether or not the application has been approved for funding.

Applicants will have one calendar year from the date the application was approved to complete all project activities and submit a final report. Grant funds are released after review and approval of the final report.

Requests for an advance on funds in order to purchase supplies or equipment will be considered.

The CRD reserves the right to audit all projects. Please retain supporting documentation including invoices and receipts for two years.

The maximum grant available through the Rethink Waste Community Grant Program is $5,000 per project. There is no timeline for submission of an application however, it is based on a first come first serve basis. If funding is limited, a notice will be posted on our website; otherwise, you can assume funding is available. 

Recipients will be asked to acknowledge financial assistance from CRD in their communications.

For projects where the general public is invited to participate, we can assist with promotion.

When submitting photos containing people’s faces, they will need to complete a media release form:

• Adult
• Minor

A final report detailing the outcomes of the project will be required. Please include:

• Project name/Applicant
• Goals/Objectives
• Achievements (community engagement, waste reduction, etc.)
• Challenges/barriers encountered 
• Project cost/Use of grant funds
• Impact potential and long-term sustainability
• Photos of project in progress or finished products 

The online application process has been designed to keep this program easily accessible. If a detailed project description has been prepared it can be submitted with the application.

• Rethink Waste Community Grant Application (PDF)