Contact: execmedia@danecounty.gov | 608-800-1127
DANE COUNTY -Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables today announced the launch of the 2026 Organics Management Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to reduce the amount of organic material sent to landfills while supporting innovative, community-based solutions across Dane County.
The Organics Management Grant provides funding for projects that prevent wasted food, recover and donate excess food, creatively reuse organic materials, or recycle organics through composting, biochar, anaerobic digestion, or other sustainable processes. Eligible applicants include Dane County businesses, institutions, municipalities, Native American tribal governments and organizations, community groups, and nonprofit organizations.
“Reducing waste and investing in sustainable solutions is good for our environment, our communities, and our economy,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “This grant program helps turn food scraps and organic waste into opportunities—supporting innovation while keeping valuable resources out of our landfill. It’s another example of how Dane County is leading with smart, practical climate action.”
The application period for the 2026 grant cycle will run from January 1 through February 1, 2026, with awards announced in mid-February. Funded projects may be implemented between March and December 2026.
According to John Welch, Director of the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables, the program is designed to meet communities where they are while encouraging creative approaches to organics management.
“We see incredible ideas every year – from food recovery partnerships to composting and reuse projects that strengthen local systems,” Welch said. “This grant helps organizations move those ideas from concept to reality while making a measurable impact on waste reduction in Dane County.”
2026 Organics Management Grant Timeline
- January 1 – February 1, 2026: Application period open
- February 2 – February 12, 2026: Application review and grading
- February 18, 2026: Awardees announced and contacted
- March 1 – December 15, 2026: Grant execution period
- December 15, 2026: Final project reports due
More information about the grant program, including examples of past awardees, is available at: https://landfill.danecounty.gov/resources/compost
Questions may be directed to waste.renewables@danecounty.gov
