City Announces 2026 Sustainable Community Grant Recipients

Published on July 01, 2026

The City of Sioux Falls has awarded Sustainable Community Grants to four local nonprofit projects focused on recycling education, composting expansion, youth environmental learning and plastic waste reduction.

The grant program, administered by the city, provides up to $5,000 per project to support community-based sustainability efforts. Since its launch in 2016, the program has funded initiatives addressing waste reduction, water resource protection, food access, community vitality and environmental education efforts.

“Through these grants, we’re investing in community-driven solutions that reduce waste, strengthen environmental education, and build a more resilient Sioux Falls,” said Tom Strickland, sustainability coordinator for the city.

Recipients are Sioux Falls-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations selected through a competitive request for proposals process. Projects must be completed within one year and align with the city’s sustainability mission to promote efficient and innovative use of resources.

The 2026 Sustainable Community Grant recipients are:

  • BINfluencer, Community Recycling Education and Access Program (Single-Stream Recycling Category)

    The project will expand recycling education through classroom presentations, facility tours and community events designed to help residents understand single-stream recycling systems. It will also support the “What Goes Where?” online search tool and the Waste Diversion Directory.

  • SoDak Compost, Compost Expansion and Community Outreach Campaign (Waste Reduction Category)

    The project will expand participation in community composting through outreach and education for households and small businesses. It will also develop a digital guide, educational video and workshop curriculum to support program consistency and growth.

  • Friends of the Big Sioux River & Teen Lead Foundation, Little Guardians — Earth Explorers Initiative (Clean Water Category)

    The eight-week program will provide elementary and middle school students with literacy-based environmental education focused on water conservation, soil health and air quality. Youth participants will engage in hands-on activities and small-group learning led by trained student facilitators.

  • Sanford Research, Plastics Waste Reduction Efforts at Sanford Research (Sustainable Living Category)

    The project will expand plastic waste reduction efforts by improving material reuse and operational efficiency. An on-site plastic shredder will reduce lightweight plastic volume by up to 95% and lower transportation costs while increasing diversion capacity, according to the organization.

For more information on the Sustainable Community Grants program, visit siouxfalls.gov/sustainability.

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