The Department of the Environment releases a request for proposals representing $860,000 in available funds to nonprofits for innovative projects that help San Francisco achieve zero waste by 2020

San Francisco is on its way to being the first city that sends nothing to the landfill. Thanks to the daily efforts of businesses and residents San Francisco decreased its annual tonnage to the landfill by 50% since 2000, while the economy and population grew. Notwithstanding this success, San Francisco still sends over 400,000 tons of material to the landfill and over half can be recycled or composted.

The Department of Environment is calling on the ingenuity of San Francisco’s nonprofit community to help the City reach its goal of zero waste. A total of $860,000 in grant funds will be awarded to San Francisco nonprofit organizations that put forward cost-effective proposals that increase diversion from the landfill by reducing source waste, reusing resources, recycling, or composting.

 “San Francisco nonprofits are natural problem solvers. These organizations know that good solutions to our environmental issues, like eliminating waste, also build community and create opportunity,” said Joshua Arce, President of the Environment Commission. “The most inspired proposals are accessible to all residents and embrace the Mayor’s call for shared prosperity throughout the city.”

The Request for Proposals specifically asks nonprofits to help design and implement innovative projects that can help the City in three targeted areas:

1.       Neighborhood Projects: San Francisco is a City of neighborhoods, what better way than to tackle an issue than working with neighbors and local businesses to design creative neighborhood based solutions to zero waste.

2.       Under-served Communities: San Francisco is a City of diversity and projects that target and increase participation of under-served and non-English speakers are encouraged.

3.       Sustainable & Reduced Consumption: The department is looking for projects and ideas that address and increase awareness of what and how we buy items to further support Zero Waste.

 “We are looking for solutions that go beyond the three bins and help create a culture of no waste,” said Debbie Raphael, Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment. “There are endless opportunities to better steward our resources, like capturing and delivering edible food to those who need it. We cannot wait to see what San Francisco dreams up.”

For more information and how to apply:

Proposals are due on Friday, April 3, 2015.  Organizations interested in applying for this grant may attend a pre-application conference on Tuesday, March 10th.  Email alexa.kielty@sfgov.org to RSVP.

For information about the Zero Waste grants or to apply, visit:

http://www.sfenvironment.org/about/grants/request-for-proposals-for-zero-waste-projects

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