Dane County, Wisconsin, announces 2026 Organics Management Grant Program

The Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables, Wisconsin, has announced the launch of its 2026 Organics Management Grant Program.

The grant provides funding for projects that prevent food waste, recover and donate excess food, 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,” Dane County Executive Melissa Agard says. “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 through Feb. 1, 2026, with awards announced in mid-February. Funded projects may be implemented between March and December 2026, with final project reports due in mid-December.

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 says. “This grant helps organizations move those ideas from concept to reality while making a measurable impact on waste reduction in Dane County.”

More information about the grant program, including examples of past awardees, is available on the county’s website. Questions may be directed to waste.renewables@danecounty.gov.