听ecomaine is now accepting applications for its 2025鈥�2026 School Waste Diversion Grant Program, offering up to $5,000 per applicant for innovative projects that reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship in Maine鈥檚 classrooms. A total of $30,000 in funding is available to schools and educational organizations in ecomaine鈥檚 member communities.听
The program funds projects that actively divert waste from landfills through reduction, reuse, recycling, or composting efforts. Examples of previous projects include launching school-wide composting programs, replacing disposable cafeteria ware with reusable alternatives, or expanding recycling bins alongside student-led education campaigns.听
“Our School Waste Diversion Grants are about empowering students to take action in their own communities,鈥� said Kevin Roche, CEO of ecomaine. 鈥淲hen young people lead projects that reduce waste, they鈥檙e not only protecting Maine鈥檚 environment today, they鈥檙e building the habits that will shape a more sustainable tomorrow.鈥�听
To qualify, schools must serve students from an ecomaine community and agree to participate in progress reports, including a spring 2026 site visit and a final report due by May 20, 2026. Projects should be designed to be shared and replicated by other schools to maximize their impact. For more details regarding eligibility and rules, read our full guideline here.听
Key Dates & Details:听
鈼� Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (late applications will not be considered)听
鈼� Grant Amounts: Up to $5,000 per school from a $30,000 funding pool听
鈼� Eligible Applicants: K-12 schools in ecomaine鈥檚 member communities听
鈼� Notification of Awards: December 1, 2025听
鈼� Project Completion & Final Report Due: May 20, 2026听
For more information, visit .