Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 round of microgrants through the First Lady’s Litter-Free Rhode Island program, according to an announcement from Governor Dan McKee, First Lady Susan McKee, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). The funding is aimed at supporting community cleanups and beautification projects across the state, with a focus on events around Earth Day.
“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 added, “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.”
The program is offering grants up to $500 per applicant for those organizing volunteer cleanups or beautification projects to be completed by June 30, 2026. Applications are being accepted until May 1, 2026. Applicants do not need to request the full $500 amount and there is no matching funds requirement. Awards will be distributed based on factors such as event size and project scope. The grants are issued through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.
Eligible expenses include equipment like gloves and trash bags, marketing materials such as t-shirts or posters, food or water for volunteers, and costs related to debris removal. Schools, community groups, and municipal departments can apply if they provide proof of nonprofit status.
RIDEM Director Terry Gray stated: “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. We are looking forward to working with organizations statewide for another successful year of clean-ups!”
After each cleanup event concludes, recipients must submit a report including photographs, participant numbers, and details about collected materials.
This marks the fourth round of microgrant funding since the program began in 2024. Over $122,000 has been awarded so far to more than 100 groups that have organized spring Earth Day cleanups or fall coastal cleanups throughout Rhode Island.
Last fall saw nearly $12,000 distributed among six municipalities through Litter-Free Rhode Island’s first Municipal Beautification Mini Grant program.
The RIDEM Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment administers several grant programs supporting local agriculture initiatives—including energy efficiency improvements for farms—as well as programs that sustain agricultural viability within Rhode Island (official website). The division also offers resources such as permit applications, inspections for plant exporters, seafood development grants under the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (official website), farm registration services, land protection programs for agricultural spaces (official website), organic certification cost sharing (official website), phytosanitary inspections (official website), as well as leadership from officials such as Ken Ayars (chief) and Scott Marshall (deputy chief/state veterinarian) (official website).
