The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is giving away grants up to $500 to communities across the state to clean up litter. The program is called the Litter-Free Rhode Island Microgrant Program.
The grants are being made available as part of an effort to reduce litter and preserve the state’s beaches. The money can be used to host volunteer cleanups or beautification projects. The projects must be completed by November 30th, 2024.
“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.”
Applications for the grants are open now through October 31st, 2024. Applications will be accepted by RIDEM through October 31, 2024, or until the grant money runs out.
For more information on the grants, click here.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
