The Tennessee Department of Transportation is sponsoring a statewide competition for $1 million of grant funds for special litter projects that go beyond routine maintenance. Each winning proposal may be awarded a total amount of $25,000 to $100,000 in grant funds, which will be used to reimburse expenses on a quarterly basis for a maximum of three years.
According to StopLitter.org, the state of Tennessee spends $11 million each year picking up litter. That figure does not include what local governments spend for litter removal annually.
TDOT invites any local government, community organization or non-profit entity to apply. Eligible projects include any activity (pickup or education) that will cleanup or prevent litter in Tennessee. Recycling programs are also eligible. The grant may not be used for landscaping or beautification projects.
Proposals must follow certain criteria and TDOT’s Highway Beautification Office will judge all applicants according to the criteria and award funding to the highest ranked applicants. The deadline to submit applications is November 15, 2012. Grant winners will be notified by November 30, 2012.
To apply and find out more information click here http://www.tdot.state.tn.us or contact TDOT’s Highway Beautification Office at 615 741-2877 for more details.