Grants for Recycling, Education, and Environmental Neighborhoods
The GREEN Program supports community-based projects that promote recycling, environmental education, water and energy conservation. Grants are awarded to eligible organizations that create cleaner, greener neighborhoods through practical and educational efforts. Grants range from $200 to $2000, one grant per recipient per fiscal year. The maximum amount to be expended per fiscal year shall be $30,000. Once grants are awarded, on a first-come-first-served basis, up to said budgeted amount, no further grants will be awarded, and any pending applications shall be returned. A new application process will begin during the next fiscal year.
Who Can Apply?
- Schools – including teachers, departments, student groups, science and environmental clubs, and athletic teams.
- Community Groups – including small businesses, HOAs, service organizations, scouting groups, churches, youth clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
What Projects are Eligible for Funding?
Projects must focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Recycling & Waste Reduction: beverage containers and packaging recycling, composting programs at schools or in the community, litter cleanup and prevention efforts, projects reducing single-use plastics
- Water Conservation & Landscaping: turf removal and drought-tolerant landscaping, water-wise irrigation or stormwater capture systems, erosion control and waterway cleanup, forest restoration or tree planting, community gardens, public space enhancements with educational signage
- Environmental Education & Engagement: science-based curriculum or student-led sustainability projects, contests promoting environmental awareness (e.g., posters, essays, photography), youth club development and incentive programs, participation in local environmental and/or clean-up events
- Energy Conservation: school or community energy-saving campaigns, installation of energy-efficient lighting or devices (community benefit), outreach programs teaching ways to reduce energy use at home or school
What are The Guidlines?
- Applicants must specify the amount they are requesting and include a general budget outlining how the funds will be used. This budget should also list any in-kind contributions, such as volunteer hours, donated services, etc.
- For groups (e.g., school sports teams) participating in community events, a flat grant amount will be issued based on the type of event and the number of participants:
- 3–5 participants, minimum 3 hours: $200
- 6–10 participants, minimum 3 hours: $300
- More than 10 participants, minimum 3 hours: $500
- Grant recipients must submit a report on how the funds were expended, receipts (if applicable), and photos upon project completion. Any unspent or unreconciled funds must be returned to the City.
How are Applications Evaluated?
Grant proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Environmental impact
- Feasibility
- Community benefit
- Educational value
If approved, the full grant amount will be issued upfront. All funded projects must be completed within 180 days of approval. A final report is required at the end of the project, along with receipts (when available) to confirm that funds were used as intended. Unspent funds must be returned to the City.
Questions?
Contact Liza Sagun, Environmental Programs Specialist, liza.sagun@azusaca.gov
