Waste Not Washington School Awards
Eligibility
Washington public and private K-12 schools. Projects must show reduced waste, increased recycling, or sustainable environmental practices on school campuses.
Program Goals
The Waste Not Washington School Awards recognize and fund schools that reduce waste, increase recycling, start composting programs, or adopt sustainable purchasing practices. The program is run by the Washington Dept. of Ecology and supports hands-on student learning about environmental responsibility.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Schools apply directly through the Washington Dept. of Ecology. Applications open in summer and close in October. Projects should document current waste practices and outline measurable improvements. Awards are announced after the deadline cycle closes.
Cycle Notes
Annual October deadline. The 2026 deadline is October 31. Projects must focus on waste reduction, recycling, composting, or sustainable practices. Check ecology.wa.gov for current application materials.
Grant Award Amount
Awards up to $10,000 per school. Funds go directly to school projects. No match requirement is listed, but strong proposals include measurable outcomes and student engagement components.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Climate Action Kit - Hands-on STEM kit using micro:bit sensors for environmental monitoring and climate education. Connects directly to sustainability learning goals.
- Smart Solar Energy Kit - Students build and program a working solar panel, learning about renewable energy and environmental impact.
- Forward Education Learning Platform - Curriculum-aligned lessons on environmental science, sustainability, and climate action for K-12 classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who funds the Waste Not Washington School Awards?
The Washington Dept. of Ecology funds the awards through its Solid Waste Financial Assistance program, which supports waste reduction across the state.
What kinds of projects qualify?
Projects focused on reducing cafeteria waste, starting school composting, improving recycling rates, or teaching sustainable purchasing all qualify. Projects must involve students and show measurable results.
Can we use the funds to buy STEM kits?
Yes, if the kits directly support the waste reduction or environmental education project described in your application. Climate Action and Smart Solar kits fit well with sustainability-focused projects.
Is there a match requirement?
No match requirement is listed. However, projects that include community or district support tend to score higher in the review process.
When do awards go out?
Awards are typically announced in early winter after the October deadline. Contact ecology.wa.gov for the latest timeline.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - Washington standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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