Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $130,000 in Microgrants for Reuse and Repair Initiatives

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has awarded $133,150 in microgrants to 18 organizations, municipalities, nonprofits and academic institutions. The funding will support the state’s circular economy by reducing waste generation and prolonging the lifespan of products through donation, rescue, reuse and repair services across Massachusetts.  

“Every item that’s reused or repaired is an opportunity to save natural resources and reduce our environmental impact,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Whether rescuing surplus food for people in need or teaching youth to how to process salvaged wood, these grants keep good stuff in use. In many cases, they also strengthen the systems and partnerships that help make communities more resilient.” 

MassDEP’s Reduce, Reuse, Repair Microgrants help cover the costs associated with developing and implementing reuse and repair projects, such as equipment and tools, tracking software, and skills training. The projects will prevent waste and keep valuable items in use and out of the trash through donation, sharing, rescue, reuse and repair. About 75% of the funding will support projects in disadvantaged communities. 

2026 Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant Recipients: 

• Braintree Public Schools (Braintree) — $10,000  
• Civic Tech New England (Boston) — $9,950 
• Families Like Ours (Great Barrington) — $5,000 
• Family Table Collaborative (South Yarmouth) — $9,000 
• Franklin County Technical School (Turners Falls) — $5,000 
• Fresh Start Furniture Bank (Hudson) — $7,500 
• Friends of the MANNA Community of Boston (Boston) — $5,000 
• Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Acton) — $4,500 
• Lee Public Schools (Lee) — $3,200 
• Mesivta of Greater Boston’s Boston Kitchen Initiative (Boston) — $10,000 
• Nantucket Salvage (Nantucket) — $5,000 
• Northeastern University (Boston) — $10,000 
• The Guthrie Center (Great Barrington) — $6,500 
• Town of Ashland (Ashland) — $8,500 
• Tunnel City Coffee (North Adams) — $10,000 
• University of Massachusetts Lowell Office of Sustainability (Lowell) — $5,000 
• YouthBuild Boston (Boston) — $10,000 
• Zoo New England (Boston) — $9,000 

For more information about the grant and past awardees, visit the MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant webpage.  

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