Community Innovation Fund
The Community Innovation Fund is closed for 2025.
We appreciate the record-breaking applications and are excited to see the projects implemented.
Do you have an idea for reducing waste in your neighborhood, workplace, school, your favorite park or restaurant, or other community space, but aren’t sure how to get started? Apply for the Rethink Waste Community Innovation Fund!
The Community Innovation Fund (CIF) provides up to $5,000 for any projects that reduce waste in Deschutes County. Businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals are all eligible to apply. Since it's inception in 2020, CIF has awarded more than $94K to 35 projects. You can see the wide variety on the CIF Projects Showcase.
Applications are closed for 2025. Please sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the next round is open in mid-2026.
The Rethink Waste Project provided a total of $46,500 in awards in 2025.
Projects must have measurable results - for example, the amount of waste reduced, the increase in waste recycled, community members reached, the amount of waste composted, etc. Project work should also support equity and accessibility in our communities. Learn more about The Environmental Center's commitment to equity here.
Applicants may utilize project funds for materials, infrastructure, or time. Work should plan for continued success beyond this funding period.
If you have any questions about the suitability of your project idea, or about the application, please reach out to Kavi Chokshi, kavi@envirocenter.org
Email kavi@envirocenter.org with questions.
Program Overview
- Who can apply? All businesses, organizations, schools, groups, or even individuals can apply.
- What kinds of projects? Any projects that reduce waste in Deschutes County. This includes any kind of reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, or compost activities.
- How much? Up to $5,000. There is no minimum.
- What can it cover? All project-related expenses – like materials, infrastructure, and staff time – are eligible.
- When is the application due?
- First Round: April 15, 2025
- Second Round: July 1, 2025 July 15, 2025
- What's the application process like? There's 6 descriptive questions. We've kept it simple. Our review team would like to understand the impact and odds of project success.
- How about the reporting process? Same. 8 questions, though we do love photos, stats, and documentation!
See the accordion menu below for more detailed information.
Projects Showcase
See the CIF Projects Showcase to filter through all funded projects.
Check out what Central Oregon Community College accomplished through the Community Innovation Fund in 2019-2020!
Thank You to Our Partners,
Who Make CIF Possible!
