2026 Ocean County Clean Communities Mini Grant Program

The Ocean County Clean Communities Mini Grant Program provides a single $1,000 grant to eligible Ocean County nonprofit organizations that conduct two volunteer‑led litter‑cleanup events at designated Natural Lands Trust sites. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) or otherwise tax‑exempt, commit at least ten volunteers per event, coordinate dates with County staff, and submit detailed post‑event documentation (litter surveys, photos, volunteer hours, etc.) before payment is issued. The grant is a fixed, non‑reimbursable award contingent on successful completion of the cleanups and all reporting requirements. • Eligibility: Ocean County‑based nonprofit with federal tax‑exempt status. • Grant amount: Up to $1,000 per organization (fixed). • Required work: Two separate clean‑up events, each with ≥10 volunteers, coordinated and approved by County staff. • Documentation: Litter surveys, photographs, volunteer data, release/waiver forms, final report. • Application window: Sep 10 2026 – Oct 30 2026 (electronic submission via OpenGov). • Question deadline: Sep 30 2026. • Award process: Review for eligibility, then scored evaluation (mission alignment, cleanup plan, use of funds, impact, past performance). • Payment: Issued after both events and satisfactory documentation; no advance or partial payments.