 Photo courtesy of Julie M Gile Photography
Local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, institutions, and businesses in Hennepin County can apply now for funding to implement projects that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Grant funding can be used to address pathways of aquatic invasive species introduction, provide education, promote behavior change, implement early detection and rapid response efforts, and pursue other ideas that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Applications are due by Thursday, January 11, 2024. Learn more and apply.
For more information, contact Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us or 612-348-4378.
More than 70 grants totaling over $211,000 awarded in 2023
Hennepin County is committed to achieving a zero-waste future. Making progress toward zero waste requires engaging and supporting communities and local businesses to build momentum and spur collective action to advance a more equitable zero-waste future.
One way Hennepin County does this is through a wide range of grant offerings. The county awarded more than $211,000 in grants in 2023 to 72 businesses, organizations, multifamily properties, and schools to improve recycling and organics recycling and take steps to prevent waste.
Grants awarded to businesses
 Grants totaling $135,500 were awarded to 35 businesses and organizations. Of those grants, 27 businesses and organizations received bins and compostable bags to improve recycling and organics recycling collection. Eight businesses received waste prevention grants to purchase reusable food ware to replace disposable. See the full list of businesses and organizations receiving grants.
Grants awarded to multifamily properties
 Grants totaling $45,725 were awarded to 32 multifamily properties. Of those grants, 21 properties received bin and compostable bag grants to improve recycling and organics recycling for their residents, and 11 properties received grants to reduce contamination, prevent waste, or start organics recycling at their buildings. See a full list of multifamily properties receiving grants.
Grants awarded to schools
 Five grants totaling $30,300 were awarded to schools in Hennepin County to reduce waste and expand recycling and organics programs. Grant recipients include one public school district and four charter schools. See a full list of schools receiving grants.
Get grants, assistance, and resources
Applications for these grant programs will open again in early 2024. Learn more about the technical assistance and educational materials available at any time for businesses and organizations, multifamily properties, and schools.
 Plastics can be a hassle – they create clutter and can be confusing to recycle – plus they contribute to litter, harm water and wildlife, and have largely unknown health impacts for us. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to help create a plastic-free world.
The Plastic-Free Challenge, offered in February by Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties, will be a great opportunity to kickstart your journey and start the new year with less waste. Sign up to be notified when registration opens.
Seeking 2024 Plastic-Free Challenge partners
Take action now by encouraging organizations and businesses you know to become Plastic-Free Challenge Partners. Cities, community groups, neighborhood organizations, nonprofits, schools, retailers, and more can become partners and help increase promotion for and engagement in the challenge.
All partners will have their logo displayed on the challenge website, gain access to promotional materials, and get various recognition and cross-promotion during the challenge. There is no cost to becoming a partner.
Explore partnership opportunities.
Electrify Everything workshop
Wednesday, December 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Brookdale Library
 Learn how to make your home more climate friendly, healthy, and comfortable by switching your appliances from natural gas to electric.
The Electrify Everything workshop, offered by the Center for Energy and Environment and Hennepin County, will cover what home electrification is, the benefits of home electrification, and resources to help pay for projects. Qualified contractors will be available to answer questions and help you start a project.
Register for the workshop.
 When it comes to gift giving, some common advice that helps avoid adding to the amount of stuff we all have is to give the gift of experiences. But what does that actually mean, and how do you make these gifts just as exciting and meaningful (or more) than traditional gifts? Here are some tips and ideas to get started.
Make it tangible
Gifts of experiences can seem less exciting in the moment compared to the instant gratification of unwrapping a physical item. Give your recipient something to open by wrapping up the tickets or passes, making a coupon or picture, or assembling things you have at home to symbolize the gift (like dish towel and kitchen utensils for a cooking class). Or get creative and send them on a scavenger hunt, finding clues along the way to help them figure out the experience.
Make it specific
Instead of offering broadly to go to a show, attend a game, or buy a class pass, figure out as many specifics as you can. Where will you go, what class will you attend, what dates might work for both of you? If you are purchasing something that is good year-round, like a museum or gym membership, schedule a time to go together within the first few months. The more specific you can get, the more exciting the gift and the more likely you will be to make it happen.
Make it fun
When planning out experiences, it can be easy to plan things that you are excited about. But be sure to keep the gift recipient at the center when finalizing your plans. Though it can be rewarding to choose something that your gift recipient will find challenging or a little out of their comfort zone, make sure it’s something they’ll also find exciting and fun.
Make it happen
Don’t let your gift lose its excitement, become a burden, or never happen because you forget to plan it out. It’s best to give experiences that can happen within a month or two of when they are gifted. If your experience doesn’t come with a set date, give your recipient some options to choose from and get it on the calendar. Also try to help with any additional logistics your gift recipient will need to figure out, like childcare or transportation.
 Get inspired
Here are some ideas for experiences to give as gifts:
- Attend a winter sports game like basketball, hockey, gymnastics, or volleyball.
- Take in a holiday play, concert, or movie
- Go to a winter festival or event
- Try out a new winter sport – plenty of parks and local retailers offer winter equipment rentals to make trying a new sport easy
- Visit a museum or get an annual membership
- Take a craft or skills class – many are available through local businesses or community education
- Get outside by signing up for a class with a local park, getting a Minnesota State Park permit, or purchasing a ski pass
- Get active with a gym membership, fitness class pass, or by signing up for a race
- Focus on wellness with a massage or spa day
- Keep the kids busy with a visit to a trampoline park, rock climbing gym, or indoor water park or play area
See our Choose to Reuse article on giving experiences as gifts for more ideas.
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