Recycling Priorities
The Cook Family Foundation seeks to serve as a catalyst for positive community change, promoting a more equitable and sustainable society. This program is an outcome of the Shiawassee Work Group Charter in which we envision Owosso and Shiawassee County with robust recycling and resource recovery systems that strengthen the local economy, reduce environmental impacts, and improve quality of life for all residents.
Through a new grant making program, the Foundation will support projects and partnerships that advance sustainable practices, create employment opportunities, reduce environmental harm, and promote social equity.
Projects that will be considered will fall under one of the following categories:
Environmental Impact
- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills through increased recycling, waste prevention, and new markets for recoverable materials
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate impacts and/or,
- Prevent pollution and protect natural resources, including natural areas, and agricultural lands in the Shiawassee River watershed
Equity and Inclusion
- Advance a more equitable and inclusive society by providing new or expanded local opportunities
- Enable greater community access to implement and lead sustainability efforts
- Prioritize projects that serve underserved or marginalized populations, and/or
- Support initiatives that improve quality of life for all residents, ensuring benefits are accessible and fairly distributed
Economic Benefit
- Create sustaining, long-term economic value within Shiawassee County
- Support local job creation and new business opportunities, especially for those facing barriers to employment and/or increasing local wages.
- Strengthen the local economy through projects that catalyze economic opportunities for other organizations
Access The Cook Family Foundation’s grant form specifically for recycling via Google Form.
For support with your application, please refer to the detailed Sustainability Grant Guidelines, and follow the format of the Sample Grant Recycling Narrative.
