Redemption Innovation Grant Program
🏛 Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (California)
Can you apply?
This grant is for private nonprofit organizations operating redemption programs for beverage containers in California. Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State and California Department of Justice, and appear on the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Eligible applicants include dealer cooperatives (501(c)(3) stewardship organizations) and individual eligible entities. All projects must serve unserved zones identified in an approved dealer cooperative stewardship plan. Eligible projects include mobile redemption programs, bag drop collection programs, and reverse vending machine deployments.
This grant is for private nonprofit organizations operating redemption programs for beverage containers in California. Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State and California Department of Justice, and appear on the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Eligible applicants include dealer cooperatives (501(c)(3) stewardship organizations) and individual eligible entities. All projects must serve unserved zones identified in an approved dealer cooperative stewardship plan. Eligible projects include mobile redemption programs, bag drop collection programs, and reverse vending machine deployments.
Program description
Eligible Applicants Private, nonprofit entities, in addition to being registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State, must also be registered and in good standing with the California Department of Justice, and appear on their Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. If a nonprofit entity is excluded from registering with the Department of Justice, proof must be provided with the application. Eligible applicants include: Dealer Cooperatives A dealer cooperative is a stewardship organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and formed for the purpose of providing redemption opportunities pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 14578 and consists of member dealers and has an approved dealer cooperative stewardship plan. A dealer cooperative is voluntary for a dealer to join pursuant to Section 14578. Individual Application An Individual Application is one in which a single eligible entity will be responsible for grant implementation. The applicant in an Individual Application will be responsible for the performance of the grant and all related documentation. In addition, the applicant will be the only entity receiving any real or personal property that is purchased with grant funds. Eligible Projects/Products All projects must be located within an unserved zone identified within the CalRecycle approved dealer cooperative stewardship plan. Eligible projects include: · Mobile Programs. Consist of either: redemption in-person through staffed systems that are moved between different redemption locations pickup-service redemption at the consumer’s addresses within unserved zones. · Bag Drop Programs. Consist of consumers depositing empty beverage containers in a sealable bag, box, or other container into a designated Bag Drop receptacle for later collection and redemption. · Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Consist of deployment of automated machines that accept empty beverage containers and provide payment to customers at time of deposit.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for private nonprofit organizations operating redemption programs for beverage containers in California. Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State and California Department of Justice, and appear on the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Eligible applicants include dealer cooperatives (501(c)(3) stewardship organizations) and individual eligible entities. All projects must serve unserved zones identified in an approved dealer cooperative stewardship plan. Eligible projects include mobile redemption programs, bag drop collection programs, and reverse vending machine deployments.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of registration with California Secretary of State
- Proof of good standing with California Department of Justice
- Evidence of appearance on Registry of Charities and Fundraisers
- Project proposal aligned with approved stewardship plan
- Identification of target unserved zone
Program contact
- 📧 tiffany.morris@calrecycle.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-341-6244
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Private nonprofits registered with California Secretary of State and Department of Justice, appearing on the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Dealer cooperatives and individual eligible entities qualify.
What projects are eligible for funding?
Mobile redemption programs, bag drop collection systems, and reverse vending machine deployments. All must be located in unserved zones per approved stewardship plans.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant program.
What is the award range?
Awards range from $500,000 to $10,000,000 per grant.
Does the application require a Letter of Intent?
The grant description does not specify if a Letter of Intent is required before submitting a full application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your nonprofit is registered with both the California Secretary of State and Department of Justice before starting your application.
- Verify your proposed project location is in an unserved zone within an approved dealer cooperative stewardship plan.
- Document your organization's status on the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers; have proof ready for submission.
- Choose the most scalable eligible project type: mobile programs, bag drop systems, or reverse vending machines based on your capacity.
- Request technical assistance early if unfamiliar with stewardship plan requirements or unserved zone designations.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirming registration and good standing with California Secretary of State and Department of Justice. Proposing projects outside unserved zones or without alignment to approved stewardship plans. Failing to demonstrate organization's status on the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.
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