How to request funds
Read the frequently asked questions page and complete the Regional Refresh Fund application. If the application is approved, Metro will issue a check directly to the agency or organization upon receipt of an invoice. All payments are processed 30 days from the date the invoice is received.
Apply now
Need paint for your project?
Could your cleanup project benefit from quality recycled paint? Does your project meet the qualifications of the Regional Refresh Fund? If so, MetroPaint is currently donating paint to organizations that are removing graffiti or have places that need a fresh coat of paint.
Email [email protected] for more information
Metro’s Regional Refresh Fund supports community-led cleanup efforts by providing flexible, low-barrier funding for immediate cleanup needs in underserved communities. Nonprofits, public agencies, schools and business district associations are invited to apply. Applicants can request up to $5,000 in funding per cleanup project or event.
Before applying, review the following criteria:
- Applicant must be a nonprofit, public agency, school or business district association
- Applicant must be leading an effort that serves an equity focus area, environmentally sensitive area or other underserved group
- The project must take place outdoors on publicly accessible property within the Metro boundary
- The project must be scheduled for a future date
For more information regarding these criteria, please read the frequently asked questions.
Where are equity focused areas?
Use this address lookup tool to determine if your property is located in an equity focus area within the Metro boundary
Who are underserved communities?
For this fund, underserved communities are defined as groups of people who have been excluded from decision-making in, and the resources from, systems of power. This includes people who have been excluded because of their age, race, income, ethnicity, gender, immigration status or other identities that are underrepresented within systems of power.
How can funds be spent?
Funds are intended to be flexible to meet the needs of those providing services. Most costs associated with a cleanup or collection event, waste reduction project or preventative effort may qualify. Contact Metro to see if your project expenses qualify for funding. Some examples of what funds may be spent on include, but are not limited to:
- Acquiring supplies for volunteers
- Promotional or educational materials for a project or event
- Disposal costs at a transfer station
- Transportation costs to dispose of bulky waste
- Labor or volunteer stipends
- Renting a dumpster for an event
- Graffiti cleanup and removal efforts
Ineligible project types
- Gardening projects
- Landscaping projects
- Yard waste removal
Funds cannot be used to support political committees or campaigns, lobbying or activities that promote a religious viewpoint. Funds are intended to help with expenses before a community cleanup project or event.
Questions?
Review these frequently-asked questions for answers to many common questions, or contact Cayla Pruett for more information.