Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has launched the latest round of microgrants under the First Lady’s Litter-Free Rhode Island program, inviting community groups, schools, and municipalities to apply for funding to support spring cleanups and beautification projects. Announced by Governor Dan McKee, First Lady Susan McKee, and RIDEM on March 4, 2026, this initiative prioritizes efforts aligned with Earth Day activities across the state.
“Rhode Island may be covered in snow, but we’ve got our eyes on spring as we open another round of our Litter-Free Rhode Island microgrants,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Over the last two years, I’ve been encouraged by the tremendous buy-in we’ve had from community groups and cities and towns—and this fourth round of funding will only amplify the natural beauty of Rhode Island.”
First Lady Susan McKee emphasized the grassroots effort behind the program: “Cleaning communities doesn’t happen with a wave of a wand. It happens because of passionate, hard-working Rhode Islanders and municipalities committing to making their state a better place for all. I’m excited for the next wave of funding and all of the projects that will help make Rhode Island a cleaner, greener state today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Grants of up to $500 each are available without a matching requirement, targeting volunteer-led cleanups and beautification projects to be completed by June 30, 2026. Applications are accepted through May 1, 2026, via a designated online form. Awards will be distributed on a rolling basis by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, based on factors such as the number of participants, project scale, and overall impact.
Eligible expenses include essential equipment like work gloves, trash bags, and pickers; marketing materials such as T-shirts, posters, and signage; refreshments for volunteers; and debris removal costs including dumpsters and hauling fees. Qualifying applicants encompass schools, nonprofit community organizations, and municipal departments like public works, parks, and recreation, provided they submit proof of nonprofit status.
RIDEM Director Terry Gray highlighted the environmental stakes: “DEM is proud to continue its partnership with the Governor and First Lady on the Litter-Free Rhode Island Microgrants program, reinforcing our commitment to support community-based actions to keep Rhode Island clean and beautiful. With these small grants, we can energize hundreds of people in every city and town to get out there for a state-wide spring cleaning! Litter is not only ugly and an eyesore in and around our neighborhoods, but it also impacts our wildlife and pollutes our land and water.”
Post-cleanup, recipients must submit a detailed report featuring photographs, participant counts, and the volume of collected materials, ensuring accountability and showcasing community achievements.
This marks the fourth round of the program, which since 2024 has disbursed more than $122,000 to over 100 community groups and municipalities. These funds have fueled spring cleanups tied to Earth Day as well as fall coastal initiatives, fostering widespread participation in conservation efforts. Complementing this, the program introduced its first Municipal Beautification Mini Grant round last fall, awarding nearly $12,000 to six municipalities for enhancement projects—a concrete example of how targeted funding beautifies public spaces and bolsters local environmental stewardship.
By addressing litter—a pervasive threat to outdoor activities and natural resources—these microgrants promote healthier ecosystems. Litter not only detracts from scenic landscapes enjoyed by hikers, anglers, and birdwatchers but also entangles wildlife, contaminates waterways, and degrades habitats critical for biodiversity. Community-driven cleanups enhance public access to parks, trails, and shorelines, aligning with RIDEM’s broader mission to protect Rhode Island’s environmental assets.
The initiative builds momentum for statewide pollution prevention, encouraging residents to engage in hands-on environmental conservation. As applications roll in, RIDEM anticipates a surge of projects that will rejuvenate neighborhoods, safeguard natural resources, and inspire ongoing community engagement in preserving the Ocean State’s pristine outdoors for future generations.
For more information, visit Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.